News

Collaborative Response to Unhoused Encampments in Brockville

Vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness have occupied parcels of land behind The Salvation Army at 175 First Avenue, and Career Services at 89 Hubbell Street, in Brockville. These encampments, located in wooded areas, have varied in size and both locations experience a fluctuating number of transient visitors. Over time, the encampments expanded, raising serious concerns regarding public health, fire safety, and community well-being. Accumulations of garbage, suspected stolen property, and frequent disturbances, including incidents of violence, have disrupted the peace of nearby residents and posed safety risks to both the unhoused individuals and the surrounding community.

In response to these concerns, community partners agreed that coordinated action was necessary. Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, scheduled visits were conducted over a period of more than two weeks. Representatives from The Salvation Army, Career Services, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, John Howard Society, Lanark Leeds Grenville Mental Health and Addictions, and Brockville Police visited the encampments multiple times per week. Various forms of assistance were offered to those willing to accept support, and the closure date was clearly communicated and posted.

Yesterday, October 1st, 2025, police officers and community partners attended both sites. Their approach prioritized safety, patience, and professionalism. Occupants were given time to gather their remaining belongings and were encouraged to leave voluntarily. Although the process was lengthy, both encampments were successfully cleared without incident, and property managers have begun the cleanup process. The condition of both sites was severe, and the cleanup process is costly and labour intensive. This being depicted in the attached photographs. 

This effort exemplifies strong collaboration among community partners and the dedication of all services involved. The approach was empathetic and professional in an attempt to seek the best possible outcome. Notably, the operation was completed without any arrests and was successful, despite the emotional toll.

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Arrest Made After a Male Was Caught Entering Vehicles

On October 1, 2025, at about 11:00pm, police received a call regarding a male walking the streets and entering multiple vehicles in the Beley Street area.

Officers attended the area quickly and actually located the subject inside a vehicle. When he was confronted, he fled the scene resulting in a foot pursuit. As short distance later, the officers caught and arrested the subject. The subject was identified to be a 20-year-old, male who was already wanted on a warrant for failing to comply with probation. He was held for a bail hearing for the offences of two counts of fail to comply with probation, trespassing at night and obstruct peace officer.  

Suspicious Male at Local High School 

The Brockville Police Service is investigating a suspicious person complaint that occurred on the 29th of September at the Thousand Islands Secondary School.

Yesterday morning, Police received a report of a suspicious male walking in and around the school. When confronted by staff, the male fled from the area on foot. Police searched the area extensively at the time, but were unable to locate the male.

Later that same day, with the assistance of the Smiths Falls Police Service, the male was identified as John Nichol, 38 of Ottawa. Investigation revealed Mr. Nichol was bound by a Probation Order not to attend any school-ground or be in the company of anyone under the age of 16 years, unless in the presence of their parent or guardian.

Investigators believe that there may have been other incidents and as a result, are releasing a photo of Nicol and his associated vehicle to encourage other witnesses to come forward. He is described as 5’9″, thin build with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Mr. Nicol is being held in custody pending a show cause hearing. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brockville, later today. He is charged with three counts of Breach of Probation. These allegations have not been proven in Court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brockville Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch at 613-342-0127. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at crimestoppers.ca 

Arrest Made After a Reported Stolen Vehicle was Involved in a Fuel Theft

On September 24, 2025, at about 9:00pm, the Brockville Police Service received a report of a gas theft, from the Circle K on Stewart Blvd. It was reported that the value of the theft was approximately $20.00; however, the vehicle involved was reported stolen out of the Cornwall area.

A short time later, on the officers observed the suspect vehicle travelling eastbound on King Street East, and out of the city limits. Officers from the Brockville Police Service followed the vehicle to keep it in sight as a plan was put in place to stop the vehicle, prior to a pursuit being initiated. As the suspect vehicle was travelling East approaching Prescott, the OPP were contacted and assistance was requested. Once prepared, the vehicle was stopped safely with the OPP deploying their tire deflation device. Brockville Police Officers then blocked the vehicle to prevent any attempt to flee.

The driver was arrested and identified to be a 16-year-old, male. The vehicle was towed and the subject was held for bail in relation to the offences of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.00, theft under 5,000.00, drive motor vehicle – no licence, and drive vehicle with cannabis readily available.     

Arrest Made in Relation to a Stabbing

On September 22, 2025, at approximately 3:30 pm, police received a report of a male armed with a knife in the vicinity of Lanark Leeds Grenville Mental Health and Addictions, located at 25 Front Avenue. Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that a male victim had been stabbed.

Police and paramedics promptly responded to the scene and provided assistance to the victim. The area was chaotic, with multiple individuals and witnesses present. The suspect was located nearby, arrested without incident, and identified as a 30-year-old local male. He has a history of violent offenses and was found to be in breach of two separate probation orders. Investigation revealed that he was also in possession of various other items, including bear spray and multiple knives, one being a butterfly knife. The suspect was also subject to 6 different weapons prohibition orders at the time of the stabbing.

After fleeing the scene, the suspect got into a second altercation with a nearby resident and produced a can of bear spray, threatening to use it on the homeowner. The sirens from the initial police response caused the suspect to flee the area only a short distance until he was located and arrested.

The scene was secured for several hours while investigators collected evidence. During this time, emergency services also responded to a separate report of three separate overdoses occurring at the same location, further complicating the investigation.

The victim sustained two stab wounds, one to the arm and one to the torso, and was transported to Kingston General Hospital. While the injuries are serious, the victim is currently in stable condition.

The suspect was held in custody for a bail hearing and has been charged with the following offenses:

• Aggravated assault
• Assault with a weapon
• Four counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon
• Six counts of possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition

Police Patrols Receive Additional Support with the Hiring of Special Constables

Earlier this year, the Brockville Police Service welcomed four new Special Constables to support our patrol operations and daily response to calls for service.

With the proclamation of the Community Safety and Policing Act in April 2024, Special Constables have received broadened responsibilities, with the ability to be designated in areas that assist with police related duties. These include, but are not limited to:

• Crime scene security
• Conducting canvasses to gather information
• Traffic control and enforcement
• Prisoner care and control
• Uphold a code of conduct and adhere to Ontario Regulation 410/23

This broader scope enables Special Constables to take on more substantial duties, allowing police officers to focus on critical tasks. To ensure readiness, Special Constables undergo newly adopted academic instruction, practical training, use-of-force training, and examinations.

We are proud to announce the successful candidates selected for these important roles: Aiden Chapman, Hana Gazdik, Matthew White, and Zachary Williams.

Congratulations! We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to your contributions in delivering equitable and professional law enforcement to our community.     

Male Arrested for Weapons Possession

On September 17, 2025, at about 7:30am, police received a call regarding a male with a weapon in the area of King Street East.

Investigation revealed that a 34-year-old, male, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, was partially clothed in the area. Another male witness in the area, approached the subject in an attempt to get him to cover himself. At that time, the subject brandished a pair of scissors, holding them in a manner that was threatening to the witnesses.

Shortly after, the subject was located and arrested. It was learned that the male was currently bound by five different probation orders for a variety of criminal offences. The subject was held in custody for a bail hearing for the offences of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and five counts of fail to comply with probation.   

Stolen Vehicle Reported and Recovered Shortly After

   On September 17, 2025, at about 2:15pm, police received a 911 call regarding a stolen pickup truck. The vehicle stolen was witnessed being taken from the scene in the area of Centre Street. It was then observed fleeing the area eastbound on King Street West.

Shortly after an officer from the Brockville Police Service, located the vehicle in the area of Ford Street and Water Street. The vehicle was being operated by a lone-male-driver, who was removed from the vehicle and arrested. The driver was identified to be a 52-year-old, local male. The subject was found to be on probation for previous criminal offences. They were held for a bail hearing after being charged with theft of motor vehicle and fail to comply with probation. 

SUDDEN DEATH

On the 14^th of September 2025 at approximately 5:00 p.m. members of the Brockville Police Service responded to an apparent overdose of a thirty-four-year-old female.  Once on scene officers learned that the female had been transported by paramedics to the Brockville General Hospital.  Despite life saving measures, the female was later pronounced deceased.

The incident has not been deemed suspicious, and members of the Brockville Police Service are assisting in the death investigation being led and conducted by the Office of the Chief Coroner. 

Anyone with any information is being asked to contact the Brockville Police Service at 1-613-342-0127 ext:  4221.

THREE VEHICLE COLLISION LEADS TO IMPAIRED ARREST

On the 12^th of September 2025 at approximately 11:20 a.m. members of the Brockville Police Service responded to a report of a three-vehicle collision on California Ave. 

Investigation revealed that the vehicle being operated by the accused was travelling southbound on California Avenue when their vehicle rear ended a vehicle, forcing it into the vehicle ahead.

The accused and one other passenger suffered minor injuries.

The thirty-two-year-old driver was subsequently charged with impaired driving and driving with a blood alcohol concentration that exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood.  The accused was later released with a future court date.

Police Response to Community Homeless Encampments

There has been considerable public discussion and concern regarding the police response to encampments involving members of our community’s unhoused population. Unfortunately, much of this discourse includes misinformation and misunderstandings. It is important to clarify the role of the Brockville Police Service in these situations to ensure transparency and public understanding.

The Brockville Police Service does not initiate or independently engage in the closure of encampments. Our involvement begins only when a property owner or manager formally requests assistance in enforcing the Trespass to Property Act. In these cases, our primary responsibility is to promote safety and maintain peace, with the shared goal of ensuring compliance with applicable laws and legislation. We approach these situations with careful consideration, aiming to act in the most appropriate and humane manner possible.

Currently, we are responding to two such requests for assistance: one concerning the area near the Salvation Army on First Avenue, and another involving property owned by Career Services on Hubbell Street. In both cases, the Brockville Police Service is working collaboratively with various community partners to ensure support is provided to the individuals occupying these encampments.

When an encampment closure is necessary, occupants are given clear communication regarding a reasonable timeline to vacate the property and remove any personal belongings. In the present circumstances, individuals have been provided with a multi-week timeline, during which outreach efforts are conducted multiple times each week to offer assistance and resources—despite the limited availability of those resources. Unfortunately, this challenge is not unique to Brockville but is shared by communities across the province and country.

To develop a constructive and compassionate path forward, a recent meeting was held with representatives from several community organizations, including Career Services, The Salvation Army, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the John Howard Society, the City of Brockville, CN Police Service, and the Brockville Police Service. All agencies involved are committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of encampment occupants, property owners, and the broader Brockville community.

While police presence is often required during encampment closures to maintain safety and enforce the law, it is not a role we seek. However, given the nature of these situations, there are limited alternatives for ensuring a safe and lawful resolution. Our officers remain dedicated to acting with professionalism, compassion, and respect whenever called upon to assist.

Male Arrested After Attending Entering Multiple Properties

On September 9, 2025, at about 4:00pm, police received a complaint regarding a male that had been on multiple properties and entered a home on Brock Street.

Investigation revealed a 38-year-old, male had entered a residence on Brock Street, startling homeowners. The male was calling out another male’s name, as if to appear he was looking for someone. Once the homeowners found the stranger, they told him to leave, and he complied. As he was departing the area, the subject was observed approaching the doors of other residences.

Officers attended and located the subject. As officers were speaking with him, another resident on the street disclosed that the subject had stolen some items from his front porch. These items were visibly in his possession and recovered.

As a result, after discussion with multiple homeowners, the subject was arrested. It was found that he was on probation with conditions. He was charged with theft under $5,000.00, fail to comply with probation and released with a future court date.  

Failing to Comply with Probation Leads to Arrest

On September 6, 2025, at about 5:00am, police received a 911 call in relation to two unknown and unwanted individuals, loitering in an apartment building lobby on Ormond Street.

When officers arrived, they found that one subject had left the area moments prior. The other individual had originally given a false name to conceal his identity. Investigation revealed that the subject was a 34-year-old, male out of Ottawa, who was on probation with conditions to remain outside of the City of Brockville. It was also learned that the subject was wanted out of Ottawa on other offences.

The subject was arrested and held for a bail hearing for the offences of personation and two counts of fail to comply with probation. He was released at bail by the courts and then turned over the Ottawa Police Service, to execute their warrant.

Impaired Driving Charges Laid After Collision

 On September 6th, 2025, at about 5:30am, police received a 911 call in relation to a single motor vehicle collision with a utility pole, in the area of Court House Avenue. Police arrived and observed the collision scene, and a second vehicle that had remained in the area, but was not involved in the collision itself.

Investigation revealed that the driver involved in the collision was a 19-year-old, male, who was operating the vehicle when he left the roadway and struck the pole. His friend was a 20-year-old, male operating a separate vehicle, travelling in the same direction. He witnessed the collision and remained at the location.

Both drivers were spoken to and alcohol consumption was suspected. This led to the driver’s being issued a demand for a roadside screening breath sample. The 19-year-old, involved in the collision provided a sample that registered a fail. The 20-year-old, male refused to comply with the demand.

As a result, the 19-year-old, subject had their driver’s licence suspended, vehicle impounded and charged with operation while impaired and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration over 80mg. The 20-year-old, subject had their vehicle impounded, driver’s licence suspended and charged with refusal to comply with demand and fail to comply with probation. Both were released with future court dates.

Driving Offence Leads to Charges of Drug Possession

On September 6, 2025, at about 2:30pm, police conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Centre Street. The driver was identified to be a 39-year-old, male who was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s licence. The driver was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest.

A search after the arrest yielded a quantity of methamphetamine, cutting agent, Canadian currency and multiple cell phones. As a result, the subject was charged with possession crystal methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking, driving while under suspension, and class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by a qualified driver. He was released with a future court date.      

Structure Fire

On September 2, 2025, at about 7:45am, police received a request for assistance at another structure fire at 46 Pearl Street West. This marking the third significant structure fire, within the previous three weeks, in our community.

The Brockville Fire Department ensured that all occupants were out of the building and accounted for. Luckily, no one was injured in this event but there was significant damage caused to the property. Police blocked off the area and controlled traffic, to allow space for the Brockville Fire Department to restore safety. 

At the time of this report, police are still on scene assisting with the investigation that is being conducted by the Office of the Fire Marshal. In any investigation, the circumstances are treated as suspicious until investigative avenues are exhausted in attempting to determine any cause, criminality or lack thereof. This investigation is being reviewed as such and information regarding any criminality or accidental cause will be disclosed, if determined.  

Break and Enter

On September 1, 2025, at about 12:45am, police received a call from the owner of MIE Autobody and Collision, of a break and enter to the business. It was also reported that the subject was still present and in the facility. The business had received a previous alarm call; however, it was believed to be an issue with the alarm system.

Officers arrived and located a 31-year-old, female and she was taken into custody. Investigation revealed that the female had broken into the building and caused damage to the alarm panel. It was also found that she was on probation with conditions, in possession of five sets of keys to vehicles at the shop for repair, identity documents not belonging to her and various inactive gift cards.

She was held for a bail hearing after being charged with break and enter – commit indictable offence, mischief under $5,000.00, possession of an identity document and fail to comply with probation.

Impaired Driving

On August 31, 2025, at about 12:15am, police received a 911 call regarding a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle, in a parking lot on Kensington Parkway.

Officers arrived and located a 27-year-old, male behind the wheel, passed out with the vehicle in drive. The driver was placed under arrest for impaired driving. He was taken to the Brockville Police Service for testing that confirmed he was operating the vehicle while impaired. The vehicle was impounded, driver’s licence suspended, and he was charged with operation while impaired and operation while impaired – blood alcohol over 80mg.

Intimate Partner Violence

On August 31, 2025, at about 10:00pm, police received information regarding ongoing concerns involving a couple. Information was that a female and her 32-year-old, boyfriend were involved in a disagreement, where the male subject caused damage to the female’s property. The damage was caused by the subject throwing the female’s cell phone into the screen of a laptop, causing it to break.

Investigation revealed that the male was on a peace bond with a condition to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, as a result of a previous incident with the female, and that he had also threatened to cause death to the female.

Shortly after the subject was located and arrested. He was held for a bail hearing after being charged with uttering threats, mischief and breach of recognizance.