Snow Lake Detachment

Contact Information:
Box 280
505 Lakeshore Drive
Snow Lake, MB
R0B 1M0
Ph: (204) 358-7723
Fax: (204) 358-2774

Location:
The community of Snow Lake is located 700 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, north of the 55th parallel. It is fully accessible by road.

Local Population:
Approximately 800.

RCMP Detachment:
The detachment currently consists of three regular members and one part-time Public Service Employee.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROBLEM SOLVING:

Often, groups are already in place to deal with ongoing concerns or community projects. The following details what community challenges are being addressed by the members of the RCMP in partnership with their community. The major working groups include:

Snow Lake Family Resource Centre: The board consists of representatives from the mine, town council, local business, health, and the RCMP. Problems such as drug and alcohol abuse and gambling addictions have been recognized and initiatives have been implemented. A partnered approach is used in the delivery of prevention programs, education, and community awareness activities with agencies such as Addictions Foundation Manitoba, Child and Family Services, Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and local service groups.

Healthy Child Manitoba Initiative/Committee: This recent initiative, sponsored by the Province and focusing upon the health, safety and welfare of our youth, resulted in an immediate response and commitment from the community. This initiative resulted in the obtaining and renovation of an appropriate facility, owned and operated by the FRC, which accommodates and is used by various provincial agencies and community groups. The regional coalition consists of a variety of members from various northern communities, who act collaboratively with respect to the distribution of limited provincial funding. As a result of this collaboration, we were successful in securing $25,000 in funding toward the implementation of a licenced day care program.

Joseph H. Kerr School: The RCMP and the School continue to enjoy a close working relationship, particularly with regards to concerns relating to the health and welfare of the students. Recently, the RCMP, in partnership with MLCC and the school, made presentations to students and parents on the Liquor Control Act and Safe Grad. Once again, in partnership with the School, MPI and the local Elks Lodge, the “Bicycle Safety Rodeo”, grades 2-5, was a success.

Environmental Management: The RCMP has recognized the significance of preserving the environment and improving the social and economic well-being of Canadians. With the current community emphasis on responsible water management, this detachment initiated a collaborative process that resulted in a cost-sharing arrangement with the town of Snow Lake toward the installation of equipment that has reduced water consumption and waste at the RCMP detachment. As well, detachment personnel are involved in the organization and operation of the local recycling initiative. Additional mine operations will be opening in the area. Members liaise with mining company personnel on a regular basis.

Youth Centre: After experiencing a period of inactivity, the Youth Centre, which is operated by the Family Resource Centre, has been revitalized, as the direct result of RCMP Board membership and direction/encouragement to the FRC staff to do so. As a result, the Youth Centre has become a relevant option, for many youths, as a source of entertainment and socialization.

RESTORATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE:

Nationwide, members of the RCMP are involved in alternative justice processes, whether volunteering as facilitators or sitting on steering committees. Each community may embrace a different form of restorative justice, be it community justice forums, circle sentencing, or mediation.

Alternative Measures: The Alternative Measures program is a diversionary process coordinated by Probation Services. The program deals with young offenders, providing they and the nature of the alleged offence satisfy eligibility criteria.

Alternative Justice: While various formal alternatives are available, members are empowered to present various options to our clients, instead of putting the matter to court. The consultation process is emphasized and there must be a commitment by the victim and the accused to abide by the agreement. Any violation results in the matter being submitted to court. Members take into consideration the best interests of clients and the community.

Youth Justice Committee: Following a significant period of inactivity, the local youth justice committee has been reactivated and has successfully dealt with several matters, involving a number of young persons. This process has demonstrated positive results for the youths, their parents and the community in general, with all realizing their responsibility. The court and counsels have demonstrated their support and commitment to this process. The RCMP remains active and committed to this process. Recently, as a result of community solicitation by the RCMP, several new persons have joined the YJC.

CRIME PREVENTION:

Members of the RCMP are involved with a number of programs designed to prevent crime in our communities through both indirect and direct intervention. From school talks to youth initiatives and community safety plans, the goal of crime prevention programs is to target the roots of potential criminal and social problems. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

National Addictions Awareness Week: Each year, a member is responsible for organizing, promoting and conducting local activities and presentations focused on drug and alcohol abuse. Particular emphasis is targeted at the school. The member responsible has obtained the support and involvement of the local Family Resource Centre and local businesses. A local service group (Royal Purple) provided substantial funding, which was used to bring in a guest speaker who had personal knowledge and experience of the consequences of the abuse of alcohol and drugs. This year members completed a presentation to grade 9-12 students with a speaker from The Pas Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

Traffic Enforcement: Due to the relatively low number of Criminal Code offences occurring in Snow Lake, the detachment has taken on a role of Traffic Services for the North. Members participate in regular extended patrols and joint Checkstops on the highways and communities between Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon.

Off-Road Vehicles Education/Enforcement: In partnership with the local print media and Manitoba Conservation personnel and Town Council, efforts continue toward improving upon the administrative and operational compliance by owners and operators of snowmobiles and ATVs.

Other Crime Prevention Programs include:

• School Liaison
• Senior Awareness
• Block Parent Program
• Life Skills Seminar
• Coaching and mentoring programs
• Career Day School Presentation

POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

Without a solid base upon which to work, the police cannot hope to build the necessary partnerships with the community to prevent crime and to solve community problems. Members of the RCMP strive to build those bridges by appreciating the needs of the communities in which they work and live. Their commitment to the community goes beyond simple participation as residents, but also as active members of the community. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

• Canadian Police Week
• Red Serge Duty & Parades
• Community Events/Sporting Activities
• Annual Heart & Stroke & Cancer Campaigns
• Snowmobile "Radar Run"
• Annual "Teddy Bear Picnic"
• National Day of Mourning
• Family Resource Centre Family Social
• Grad Class Career Seminar
• Community Health Fair

QUALITY SERVICE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS:

The community also benefits directly and indirectly from strategic partnerships that the RCMP forms with other law enforcement and governmental agencies as well as with as with other community groups. Several unique associations have been formed:

• Town Council
• Law Enforcement
• Mines Inspection Branch
• Family Resource Centre
• “Healthy Child Manitoba” Initiative
• Media
• Businesses/Local Service Groups
• Manitoba Public Insurance
• Employment Assistance Centre
• Volunteer Fire Department
• Healthy Snow Lake Committee/Forum
• Family Services
• Joseph H. KERR School
• Ranger Patrol Program
• Manitoba Metis Federation
• Manitoba Conservation