Friday rally at OPP detachment in Cayuga

By Bill Jackson – The Regional

August 20, 2008

Members of the group CANACE (Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality) have organized a protest for this Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. at the Haldimand OPP Detachment in Cayuga.

Organizers have dubbed it the "Protect Our Families Rally" in response to OPP inaction in the town of Caledonia where they say many residents don't have police protection on local roadways.

CANACE spokesman Merlyn Kinrade plans to ask the OPP to erect wire fences to protect motorists on the Highway 6 bypass where debris has been thrown at vehicles from overpasses.

Earlier this month a person suffered minor injuries when rocks were hurled from a moving vehicle on the bypass, however the problem has persisted during the past three years and CANACE members claim that police have done little to prevent the serious threat to public safety.

Kinrade said he wants fences erected or 24-hour policing established on the overpasses.

"Look at the millions and millions of dollars spent on (the Douglas Creek) land claim that isn't a land claim," he said. "So if you've got that much money to throw around you've certainly got a few bucks to put fencing up on the overpasses to prevent disfigurement and death to maybe you or me or children."

CANACE Executive Director Gary McHale pointed out that Ontario Provincial Police aren’t allowed to patrol the Sixth Line after former Ontario Premier David Peterson signed an agreement that made the area a no-go zone. He added that police cannot access the Stirling Street overpass from the east side because the Stirling bridge in Caledonia was burned down during a native protest in 2006.

"The only reason someone hasn't died is not because of great police work," McHale said, "just by fluke."

Two young offenders were caught throwing rocks on to Highway 54 traffic from a railroad bridge in 2006. Since that time there have been numerous reports of debris flying off overpasses above the Highway 6 bypass.

McHale pointed out that it took police months to issue a press release informing the public about incidents back in 2006. Police are obligated to inform the public of threats to safety, he argues.

Kinrade will also be pressing the OPP for answers pertaining to policing on Sixth Line and other areas oaffect4ed by the Douglas Creek occupation.

Organizers hope that politicians as well as police representatives attend to answer questions and support the cause.

Police issue statement

The Haldimand OPP issued a statement on Monday in which it says police are monitoring the bypass situation on a 24-hour basis.

"The OPP is maintaining a consistent presence in the bypass area, aggressively patrolling the bypass roadway and conducting surveillance of the Stirling Street Bridge on a constant, 24-hour, seven day-a-week basis. Six Nations Police Service is assisting by conducting periodic patrols of the area."

In addition, the OPP carried out a crime prevention environmental evaluation of the overpass area to assess the potential for physical changes to help mitigate criminal activity on the over pass. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) recommendations are currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Transportation and Haldimand County staff, the press release says.

Some of the practical changes recommended include removal of trees and brush to make pedestrians and vehicles on the overpass clearly visible.

The OPP is also appealing to the public for assistance.

"An extra set of eyes can make the difference," said Acting Inspector, Mike Rigby. "We are asking people to report any unusual behaviour, parked vehicles or suspicious persons on any overpass at any time."

If you see anything suspicious or strange behaviour, call police at 1-888-310-1122. If you have information that may lead to the identification of those responsible for these mischief incidents, call the police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.