Sgt. James Gallant briefs council on RCMP work in district at Jan. 27 meeting
RCMP Sgt. James Gallant said the brunt of RCMP calls in the region comes from the District of Carleton North (DCN).
During the Jan. 27 council session, Sgt. Gallant told the mayor and councillors that 25 per cent of calls to the RCMP come from the municipality.
During the last quarter of 2025, Sgt. Gallant said there were 588 calls for service in the district. Of those calls, 67 per cent were non-criminal, and 33 per cent were criminal offences.
Gallant explained that non-criminal code calls primarily include welfare checks and services required under the Mental Health Act. For criminal code calls, there were 98 personal property crimes, 46 crimes against persons, 14 traffic offences, and 34 “other criminal offences,” which Sgt. Gallant explained could include offences such as mischief and offences under the Marijuana Act. He noted that the number of calls for the district has been “increasing year after year.”
Councillor Chala Watson asked Gallant if there were dedicated patrol areas or times for the district. Sgt. Gallant responded that there are not, but shared that the data indicates patrol units are “mostly coming up river” to patrol Hartland, Centreville, and Florenceville specifically.
He also acknowledged that one challenge in catching offenders, particularly when stolen vehicles are involved, is that the detachment can’t engage in high-speed chases.
“We try to get the spike belt out,” said Sgt. Gallant, “but they know we have a no-pursuit policy.”
He noted the policy is in place for public safety reasons.
“If they take off and they hit somebody, and it’s just for a stolen truck… It’s not worth that.”
Mayor Harvey and other council members raised ongoing concerns about the lack of policing visibility in the area.
“[Better] presence would be more of a deterrent,” noted Councillor Ryan Dickinson.
Sgt. Gallant agreed.
“I would love to have our station somewhere different where we could be quicker to respond,” he told the council.
“We’re not saying you aren’t doing good work,” Mayor Andrew Harvey told Sgt. Gallant. “There’s just not enough of you.”
The mayor also noted that the district will continue to push for improved policing in the area.
Canada Census jobs
Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove read a letter received from Census Outreach Atlantic. The letter informed the council that the 2026 Census will start in May.
This year, there are 32,000 census jobs available across Canada. Census Outreach Atlantic is asking the district’s support by sharing the job posting on social media, which will “directly contribute to the success of the 2026 census.”
CAO Amy McIntosh confirmed that the census job postings will be accessible via the District’s website and social media.
Step Ahead Family Learning Centre Update
Councillor Scott Oakes shared that construction of the new daycare facility is expected to be completed by the end of March, with the anticipated opening being sometime in April.
Upcoming Community Events
The council shared several upcoming community events, including:
- Snow Blast! The annual celebration will take place Feb. 14-16. For a full list of activities, please visit the District of Carleton North’s website or event page located at https://www.facebook.com/share/1AZpBaQsdC/
- The Martin Boys will be in concert at the Western Valley Multiplex on Feb. 14. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, or two for $55. Email maddie.okeefe@carletonnorth.com to purchase tickets
- The Beechwood Park’s annual Valentine’s Day Supper will take place at the Upper Kent Rec Centre at 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 14. Tickets are $25 per plate and include a full roast beef dinner and the chance to win prizes. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Cherie Derrah or Vicki Hillman, or through the Beechwood Community Park Facebook page located at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064501012023.
