Current News Releases

May 17th, 2019

On May 17th, 2019 Gananoque Police Service were called to a local business where a male had just left the store in possession of several unpaid items. Upon arrival, police were advised that the male was observed walking to an area nearby, before returning to another business. The male was located trying to flee the second business on his bicycle. When police approached him, he was observed discarding stolen merchandise as he fled. The male was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

A search of the nearby area turned up several items stolen from the first business.

As a result, the male was charged with Shoplifting offences, as well as breaching conditions of his Probation. He was and held in custody for a show cause hearing.

May 14th, 2019

In the early morning hours of May 8, 2019, the Gananoque Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at a residence in the West residential area of Gananoque.

Further investigation revealed that the fire had been deliberately set by unknown person(s).

The Gananoque Police are interested in speaking with anyone who may have information relating to the above noted incident. Witnesses can contact the Gananoque Police Service at 613-382-4422, or can provide anonymous information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

May 14th, 2019

"Distracted Driving Ruins Lives. Drive Safe"

Gananoque Police Service today joined police services across Ontario in the fight against distracted driving. The 2019 Drive Safe! Campaign is a Province-wide initiative supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) designed to keep our roadways among the safest in North America. This year’s theme is "Distracted Driving Ruins Lives. Drive Safe."

The 2019 Drive Safe! (#DriveSafe) campaign features a booklet with information designed to make motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians more aware of what distracted driving is, the consequences of driving while distracted, and tips on how to avoid being distracted while on the road.

"Our roads and highways are among the safest in North America. But distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions, injuries, and deaths on our roadways," said Chief Garry Hull "Every day, people get behind the wheel and selfishly take their attention away from the road. That includes reading, eating, using their phone and GPS. We are proud to continue the fight along with our police partners across Ontario to save lives on our roads."

Research has shown that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers. A shocking 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driver inattention as contributing factors.

The 2019 OACP Drive Safe! Campaign is supported by the following community partners: Accident Support Services International, Canadian Tire Corporation, Canpar Express, ArriveAlive.org, Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), Lyft, Smart Serve Ontario, The Beer Store, and Trillium Gift of Life Network.

April 6th, 2019

On April 6, 2019 officers while on routine patrol observed a known male who was seated in the rear of a motor vehicle. Further investigation determined the male to be wanted for breach of probation. Officers conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of the 37-year-old male from Brockville.

Prior to the arrest the male attempted to conceal items within the car that were on his person. Subsequent investigation resulted in officers locating a "stun gun" that was determined to be fully functional.

The male was also on probation and 10 years weapons prohibition for previous related violent offences. The accused was charged with probation, weapon prohibitions and several weapons related offences.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

March 26th, 2019

The Gananoque Police arrested a 22-year-old Gananoque male at a King Street East residence. The male was on Probation, with a condition not to associate with a resident at that address. He was also on a condition not to possess or use non-medically prescribed drugs. Further investigation revealed that the male was under the influence of non-medically prescribed drugs.

The male was charged with 3 counts of failing to comply with the conditions of his probation order. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

March 31st, 2019

The Gananoque Police arrested a 34-year-old Gananoque male for uttering threats to cause serious bodily harm. Police received a complaint on March 25th reporting that the male approached a youth and made allegations toward the youth of criminal behavior. The altercation escalated resulting in the accused uttering threats to harm the youth.

Further investigation resulted in the male being charged and released to appear in court at a later date.

March 21st, 2019

On March 21st 2019, a male wanted by Gananoque Police Service on two outstanding arrest warrants was arrested and returned to Gananoque. The male was wanted for failing to attend court on property related offences. Kingston Police located the male hiding under a bed while attending a residence. The male was held in custody for a show cause hearing.

March 22nd, 2019

On March 22nd 2019, Gananoque Police responded to a 911 call at a local residence. Upon further investigation, an intoxicated female was arrested for assault with a weapon. The female was held in custody until sober, then released on a Promise to Appear and Undertaking with several conditions – including to reside at another residence.

March 7th, 2019

On March 15th, 2019 Gananoque Police Service received a complaint that a male and female were acting suspicious at a local store. Police arrived and were directed to a male at the back of the store, and a female at a car in the parking lot.

As a result of the investigation, the car they were driving was discovered to be stolen out of Kingston. Upon arrest, both were found to be in possession of stolen property from the store. Additionally, the male was found to be in possession of drugs (suspected to be crystal methamphetamine).

Both parties were charged with several offences and held in custody for a show cause hearing.

MedicAlert Connect Protect service will help Gananoque Police Service officers reunite lost, wandering, and vulnerable individuals with their families

Gananoque Police Service is partnering with MedicAlert Foundation Canada to better help officers quickly locate lost or missing vulnerable individuals, such as those living with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive brain injuries, so they can be quickly and safely returned to their loved ones.

MedicAlert Connect Protect gives police officers 24-hour access to a registered subscriber’s photo, identifying information, past wandering history and other medical information through the MedicAlert identification and associated database.

This information will help officers search more efficiently, increasing the chances that those who go missing are reunited with their loved ones sooner. Officers called to an emergency involving a MedicAlert subscriber will have access to vital information which could save a life.

"The Gananoque Police Service is pleased to enter into this partnership with Medic Alert. This will certainly enhance the capabilities of our members to provide increased capabilities and a much-improved response to the needs of those suffering from a variety of conditions. The Gananoque Police Service encourages and appreciates all partnerships with community stakeholders that provide additional information to improve responses to our most vulnerable" says Chief Hull.

"As a registered Canadian charity for close to 60 years, MedicAlert has played an important role in helping to protect Canadians and give families peace of mind in wandering or emergency situations," explained Françoise Faverjon-Fortin, CEO of MedicAlert. "Our database is a vital link between the community and first responders when faster, informed action makes all the difference and we’re honoured to assist police services across the country."

MedicAlert will be holding a registration session in Brockville following the launch of MedicAlert Connect Protect. Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and sign up themselves or a loved one. Thanks to MedicAlert Foundation Canada, the first 20 new MedicAlert subscribers will get their first-year service plan and a MedicAlert ID at no cost.

March 19th, 2019 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at St. Lawrence Lodge, 1803 County Road 2 east, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5T1

For more information on the MedicAlert Connect Protect service, visit medicalert.ca/connectprotect.

MedicAlert Foundation Canada (MAFCA) is the largest membership-based registered charity in Canada and it is the leading provider of emergency medical information services. MedicAlert’s mission is to ensure that all Canadians have access to high-quality health information at time of need, and has protected more than one million Canadians since 1961.

MedicAlert® is backed by robust electronic health records maintained by medically trained professionals, a state-of-the-art secure database, and a 24/7 Emergency Hotline that answers calls from emergency responder personnel in 140 languages, all linked to customized identification products for Canadians with medical conditions and special needs. Globally recognized and respected, MedicAlert speaks for you, when you can’t.

Learn more about MedicAlert, how it works, and how you or a loved one can sign up to a service plan by visiting medicalert.ca or calling 1-866-696-0273.

March 7th, 2019

The Gananoque Police will be introducing a Community Volunteer Program in 2019. The purpose of the program is to enhance the community involvement of the Gananoque Police through civilian volunteers. Successful candidates will receive specific training in a number of police related topics and will compliment the Gananoque Police in areas of community integration, crime prevention and will act as ambassadors at a variety of community events.

Telephone Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls asking for funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

Credit Card Fraud Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding the public to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls advising a credit or debit card has been compromised and requests personal information, credit card information or banking information. This can be done by calling the credit card company or banking institution directly.

Canada Revenue Agency Phone Calls

The Gananoque Police have received several complaints from concerned citizens who have been receiving calls from individuals who claim to work for Revenue Canada. The caller demands payment for money owed from past income tax years, sometimes using aggressive tactics and ultimatums. Citizens are reminded that these types of calls are fraudulent and should be ignored. Additionally, citizens should never give financial or personal information out over the phone to non-trusted sources. For more information, the CRA has issues an advisory on this matter, or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcentre.ca to learn more about this and other popular scams.

Door-to-Door Solicitors

Recently many Gananoque residents have again been the target of door-to-door solicitors using questionable tactics.
The Gananoque Police Service reminds citizens to be cautious when it comes to allowing strangers into their homes. Although many door-to-door sales campaigns involve legitimate companies the tactics used by some canvassers cause concern for some residents.
Please remember that you are not obligated to allow anyone into your home. Legitimate door-to-door canvassers usually have identification cards and literature explaining who they are and the products and services they are offering. Don’t allow the canvassers to pressure you into completing a transaction with claims such as "this is a one-time only deal" or "after today the price goes up". Take the time to research the product or service and "read the fine print" before making a financial commitment.
Residents are also encouraged to report the negative experience to the company that the solicitors are representing. Most companies welcome such feedback as they do not want their corporate image affected negatively by such behaviour from their employees. If, however, you feel you have been the target of a scam, fraud or aggressive tactics, please report the incident to police. Additionally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted at 1-888-495-8501 to report a fraud and to receive more information about frauds and scams. For further information visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

OPPA not soliciting funds for its Community Bear Program

The Gananoque Police Service has received a number of inquiries from Gananoque residents asking about telephone calls they have received soliciting funds for teddy bears for The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). The Gananoque Police Service is advising that the OPPA has confirmed that they do not solicit the public for its Community Bear Program and this is a confirmed scam.
The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

February 27th, 2019

On February 27, 2019 a female contacted the Gananoque Police Service regarding ongoing and unwanted contact from her ex-partner. Their investigation revealed the male continued to attend the female’s residence uninvited. The female continued to tell the male to leave but he refused. After further investigation, the female also reported to police historical assaults that had occurred.

As a result of the investigation, a 37 year old man, from Gananoque was arrested and charged with 2 counts of assault, overcoming resistance by choking, mischief and criminal harassment. The male was held in custody pending a show cause hearing.

March 4th, 2019

On March 4, 2019, in the early morning hours, officers from the Gananoque Police Service located a vehicle that was parked in an alley. The vehicle was running with the headlights on. As the officers approached the vehicle, they recognized the male sitting in the drivers’ seat as being wanted on outstanding warrants from the Gananoque Police Service. The male refused to comply with officers’ requests to exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to remove the male, he put his vehicle in motion, almost striking one of the officers. The male’s vehicle was located a short distance away, the accused had fled the area. Officers searched the area and located the male hiding in a wooded area.

A 27 year old male from Gananoque was arrested on the 3 outstanding warrants as well as, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, escape lawful custody and possession of a schedule 1 drug – methamphetamine. The male was held in custody pending a show cause hearing.

Telephone Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls asking for funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

Credit Card Fraud Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding the public to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls advising a credit or debit card has been compromised and requests personal information, credit card information or banking information. This can be done by calling the credit card company or banking institution directly.

Canada Revenue Agency Phone Calls

The Gananoque Police have received several complaints from concerned citizens who have been receiving calls from individuals who claim to work for Revenue Canada. The caller demands payment for money owed from past income tax years, sometimes using aggressive tactics and ultimatums. Citizens are reminded that these types of calls are fraudulent and should be ignored. Additionally, citizens should never give financial or personal information out over the phone to non-trusted sources. For more information, the CRA has issues an advisory on this matter, or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcentre.ca to learn more about this and other popular scams.

Door-to-Door Solicitors

Recently many Gananoque residents have again been the target of door-to-door solicitors using questionable tactics.
The Gananoque Police Service reminds citizens to be cautious when it comes to allowing strangers into their homes. Although many door-to-door sales campaigns involve legitimate companies the tactics used by some canvassers cause concern for some residents.
Please remember that you are not obligated to allow anyone into your home. Legitimate door-to-door canvassers usually have identification cards and literature explaining who they are and the products and services they are offering. Don’t allow the canvassers to pressure you into completing a transaction with claims such as "this is a one-time only deal" or "after today the price goes up". Take the time to research the product or service and "read the fine print" before making a financial commitment.
Residents are also encouraged to report the negative experience to the company that the solicitors are representing. Most companies welcome such feedback as they do not want their corporate image affected negatively by such behaviour from their employees. If, however, you feel you have been the target of a scam, fraud or aggressive tactics, please report the incident to police. Additionally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted at 1-888-495-8501 to report a fraud and to receive more information about frauds and scams. For further information visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

OPPA not soliciting funds for its Community Bear Program

The Gananoque Police Service has received a number of inquiries from Gananoque residents asking about telephone calls they have received soliciting funds for teddy bears for The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). The Gananoque Police Service is advising that the OPPA has confirmed that they do not solicit the public for its Community Bear Program and this is a confirmed scam.
The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

The Gananoque Police Service has received several complaints of vehicles failing to stop for local school buses which have their flashing lights activated and children boarding the bus.
We would like to remind drivers to remain vigilant when on the roads during the morning and afternoon hours.


When driving on a road WITHOUT a median:

• drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.
• when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.
• when approaching from the rear, drivers should maintain an approximate 20 metre space.
• do not move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.

Drivers can be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing:

• First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
• Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).
• Vehicle owners can also be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren't driving.
• If the vehicle owner does not pay the fine, they will not be able to renew the vehicle's permit.

Today, with all the shopping transactions that take place daily online, the Gananoque Police Service understands that you may feel uncomfortable meeting a stranger to complete an internet transaction. This Service encourages individuals to use the Gananoque Emergency Services parking lot as a "Safe Exchange Spot" for your internet purchases. Our station is under video surveillance and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.