New $7M York Regional Police marine unit headquarters in Jackson's Point floats into action

4 things to know about YRP unit's new HQ on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Georgina

Yorkregion.com
October 20, 2020
Amanda Persico

Recently, York Regional Police opened its new marine unit headquarters that will increase police presence and capabilities on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

The new building was established for the “safety and security of all who live, work and play on Lake Simcoe,” said York Region chairperson Wayne Emmerson.

HOME OF THE YRP MARINE UNIT:

The new marine unit building -- costing more than $7 million to construct -- is located on the former Bonnie Boats property at 57 Lorne St., in Jackson’s Point.

The 8,900-square-foot building includes office space for the 9-member marine unit, a boat house with three boat slips for police vessels, a garage to store off-season equipment and a floating dock.

The new unit located on the water’s edge would reduce response time, said Staff Sgt. Aaron Busby, marine unit commander.

“Water doesn’t give a second chance,” he said. “And in water, seconds count.”

WATER PATROL:

The year-round facility is a much-needed addition as the region and the lakeside community grows in population.

“We’re seeing an increase in use on Lake Simcoe,” Busby said. “And that’s above the thousands of people who visit the lake annually.”

Not only is the YRP marine unit responsible for patrolling more than 350 square kilometres of Lake Simcoe and more than 30 other waterways in the region, the unit is also charged with enforcing fishing and shipping laws.

The new unit located on the water’s edge would reduce response time, Busby said.

WATER TOYS:

The new marine unit is home to a number of rescue vessels including the newly unveiled Zongiday, a rigid-haul inflatable boat used for rescues in rough and rapid water as well as wading through shallow weedy waters.

The primary response vessels, the Waawaatsei and Naawij, are 36- and 38-foot hike boats equipped with radar, infrared capabilities and can also haul a YRP Sea-Doo or ATV for shallow water and remote trail rescues.

The hikes are also equipped with pumper apparatuses and can be used to pump water directly out of the lake to help fight fires on the lake, boat or along the shores.

During the early winter and spring, members of the marine use the Dawaabin, a custom, 24-foot airboat capable of hightailing on ice, slush or snow over Lake Simcoe.

Other marine unit rescue equipment includes four snowmobiles, two ATVs, two Sea-Doos and a 24-foot aluminum boat that can be hauled to different parts of the region.

ART ON THE WATER:

The new blue-clad marine unit building is home to a series of large murals featuring the work local artist Lauri Hoeg of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

The collection of four paintings, each representing a different season and bird, brings the building life, said Busby.

“The images represent strength, beauty and a connection to the water,” he said. “It serves as a reminder that we are here to protect the water and those who live in it.”