Despite the hype in the lead-up to a gathering near Chief Island on the weekend, there were “no major issues,” according to Rama’s police chief.
Jerel Swamp noted there were police forces from Rama, Orillia and York Region keeping an eye on the area, along with paramedics and firefighters.
The heavy police presence was in response to Boats and Ropes, an event advertised on Facebook. Rama First Nation had demanded it be cancelled, calling it “a tipping point” when it comes to gatherings near the sacred land.
While the organizer cancelled the event on Facebook, it did go ahead and included live musical performances.
Swamp estimated there were almost 500 vessels in the area over the weekend.
Rama police checked more than 100 vessels to ensure they were in compliance with the law. Swamp said there were “very few charges.”
“Everybody was pretty much in compliance with the request” to stay off the island, he added.
Police will continue to patrol the area this season, Swamp said.
“Proactive vessel checks helped keep the weekend under wraps,” said Orillia OPP Const. Martin Hill. “We would stop vessels going into and out of Chief Island.”
“I do not know if anyone else laid any charges,” he continued, “but I personally did a three-day suspension for an operator who provided an ‘alert’ on the (screening device). I do not believe there were many charges.”
Overall, he said, there were six police boats as well as two police officers from Rama on Sea-Doos.
OPP had two boats on site, as well as one from its SAVE (Snow Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement) unit, while Rama, Barrie and York police each had one boat out. OPP also had its provincial liaison team on one boat “to help speak with the organizers of the event and let them know about the COVID restrictions and what to expect,” Hill said.
He had a message for those who plan to continue gathering this season near the island in Lake Couchiching.
“... The rules regarding COVID apply on the water, too (gatherings of 100, etc.). Be respectful of Rama First Nation as it is their sacred land and the waters surrounding the island are also included in that, so clean up your garbage, don’t enter the island without prior authorization from (Rama First Nation),” he said.
“And, of course, if you are going to be on a boat that you can legally consume alcohol on while it’s moored, have a designated operator as most fatalities on the water involve alcohol or lack of a life jacket or both.”
