York Regional Police's marine unit will be responding to safety and emergency calls on Lake Simcoe and all York Region waterways from a new headquarters in Georgina.
The nine full-time unit members carry out their duties using several vessels, including the 38-foot long Naawij, christened in 2013 and featuring state-of-the-art electronics and firefighting capabilities, according to a news release.
The 34-foot Waawaatesi, two-ridged hull inflatable Zodiac and two personal watercraft round out the summer fleet.
Over the winter, the unit patrols and responds to emergencies on the ice using snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and a custom 24-foot airboat named Dawaabin, which has a flat, polymer bottom that allows it to travel easily across ice, snow and water.
The unit and all its equipment will be housed at the 8,600-square-feet facility, which includes office space, three boat slips and a storage facility, at Jackson’s Point Harbour.
A mural featuring colourful Indigenous artwork by artist and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Councillor Lauri Hoeg adorns the side of the new headquarters.
Speakers at the Oct. 5 opening ceremony included Police Chief Jim MacSween, Police Services Board chair and East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson and regional chair Wayne Emmerson.
