KENORA, Ont. - A new pilot project in Kenora will look at protecting the safety and wellbeing of the community’s most vulnerable people and is receiving a helping hand from the provincial government.
The one-year pilot project received $800,000 in funding from the province and will involve the Kenora Bear Clan Patrol.
Patrols will take place 24-hours a day, seven days a week and the Bear Clan Patrol will serve as an intermediary between the Ontario Provincial Police and crisis response services.
“As a result of physical distancing and isolation measures, COVID-19 has worsened our mental health and addiction challenges for Kenora's most-vulnerable population, creating an increased need for services and assistance," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General.
"By partnering with the Bear Clan Patrol, we are helping the community address challenges, while also allowing the OPP to focus their time and resources on community safety issues."
The Kenora Bear Clan Patrol will provide services such as transportation to hospitals or treatment centres, and provide resources such as food and water and finding shelter.
"Supporting the safety and well-being of Indigenous people in Ontario is an ongoing priority for our government," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
Those with the Bear Clan Patrol will be trained in trauma care and provide an Indigenous-focused and Indigenous-led response.
"I'm pleased the province's partnership with the Bear Clan Patrol in Kenora will help ensure the needs of at-risk Indigenous community members are being met in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner."
"As Attorney General I'm committed to advancing new and innovative ways of keeping people safe in northern and remote communities," said Attorney General Doug Downey.
"Our government's investment in the Kenora Bear Clan Patrol Project will help expand community-led public safety solutions and reduce the cycle of offending - goals shared by our Kenora Justice Centre pilot project."
The pilot project will run until July 2021. The Bear Clan Patrol was established in Winnipeg in 2015 and has chapters in cities across Canada.
