No ice is safe ice – Upper Ottawa Valley OPP
As winter conditions set in, the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging extreme caution near bodies of water. Even when lakes or rivers appear frozen, remember, no ice is safe ice.
Early-season ice is often dangerously thin and unpredictable. While some people enjoy snowmobiling or motorized recreational vehicles on frozen lakes and waterways, current ice conditions greatly increase the risk of breaking through the ice and experiencing cold-water immersion, which can become life-threatening within minutes. Taking unnecessary risks not only endangers individuals but also puts emergency responders in harm’s way during rescue efforts.
The OPP is urging the public to take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable season. In particular, snowmobilers and those out enjoying motorized recreational vehicles are reminded to:
· Remain on designated trails.
· Avoid unfamiliar areas, particularly at night.
· Check the weather and trail conditions before you leave.
· Wear appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia.
· Ensure your cellphone is fully charged.
· Consider downloading the what3words app. This app aids first responders in pinpointing your location if you need help.
· Never go out alone. Always tell someone your planned destination and your expected time of return.
· Do not drink alcohol or consume drugs while on snowmobiles or other motorized vehicles. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reduce your body’s ability to stay warm in cold conditions.
· Carry safety equipment such as ice picks and throw ropes in case you find yourself in an unsafe situation. Response time from emergency personnel may be prolonged due to the weather conditions, and these tools can assist you while you wait for help to arrive.
· Regularly inspect your snowmobile or other motorized vehicles to make sure it is in good mechanical condition.
· Bring a first-aid kit and a survival kit.
If someone falls through the ice, call 911 immediately. Safe rescue efforts require appropriate equipment and training. You cannot help anyone if your safety is also at risk.
Make safety your priority this winter season. Take necessary steps to ensure you return home safely to your loved ones after a day enjoying the winter weather.
In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency police matters, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Peever,S.,OPP Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment(2025,Dec.12) UOV OPP URGES CAUTION NEAR BODIES OF WATER [media release]
Impaired and drug charges follow call for service
The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one people after responding to a call for service in the Town of Renfrew.
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Renfrew OPP officers responded to a call for service in the Town of Renfrew.
As a result of the investigation, Nicholas GAUTHIER age 32 of Madawaska Valley Township was charged with:
– Operation while impaired- drug
– Possession of a schedule I substance
The accused was released and scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on January 14, 2026.
Hunt,T.,OPP Renfrew Detachment(2025,Dec.15) CALL FOR SERVICE LEADS TO IMPAIRED AND DRUG CHARGES [media release]
R.I.D.E. stop results in charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) 2025 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign commenced on November 20, 2025, and will continue until January 1, 2026. During the third week of the campaign from December 4 to December 10, 2025, officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the OPP conducted 35 RIDE checks throughout the detachment area.
During the RIDE checks drivers were found to be in full compliance with the law and no impaired driving or over 80mg charges were reported as a result of the RIDE campaign.
Despite the compliance at the RIDE checks, UOV OPP officers charged one driver with impaired driving-related offences during the week.
On December 7, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., police responded to an incident at a residence in Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards Township. An individual at the scene had been driving a side-by-side ATV. A Roadside Screening Device was utilized, and the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.
As a result of this incident 31-year-old Ryan VERCH has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:
· Operation while impaired – alcohol
· Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration 80mg plus
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on January 5, 2026. The accused also had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and their ATV was towed and impounded for 14 days.
Peever,S.,OPP Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment(2025,Dec.12) UPPER OTTAWA VALLEY OPP FESTIVE R.I.D.E. PROGRAM – WEEK THREE RESULTS [media release]