The Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to 45 calls during the week of March 18 to March 25, some of which included: one traffic accident, 19 traffic offences, 12 other provincial statutes, one municipal bylaw, three harassments, two mischiefs, two break and enters, and five other incidents.
Break and enter increase
On March 19th, Canora RCMP received a break and enter complaint that took place in the RM of Hazel Dell. There have been reports of people entering onto other people’s property and stealing various items. If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Canora RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Rowdy youngster
Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to a report on March 19 of a little boy causing a disturbance in downtown Canora. RCMP attended the scene and assisted the child’s babysitter who was unable to control the child’s outbursts. During the investigation police learned the child was denied a toy from a local store which triggered the tantrum. Utilizing coloring books and RCMP tattoos, the child calmed down and was returned to his parents.
Broken window
In the early morning of March 19, Canora/Sturgis members responded to a complaint where a window was broken in Canora. The mischief is not believed to be a random act. RCMP members are looking for assistance from anyone who witnessed this incident.
Hit and run
A hit and run occurred on Main Street in Preeceville on March 20. The passenger side door of a White Hyundai was damaged.
Abandoned bike
On March 25, a blue Supercycle Mountain Bike was turned over to Canora RCMP Detachment. The bike was found abandoned on Main Street in Canora. If you are the owner of this bike, please contact the Canora RCMP Detachment at 306-563-4700.
Anyone who has information about any crime is asked to please contact the Canora RCMP Detachment at 306-563-4700 or contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).
ATV Safety
ATVs are an important part of outdoor life for many Saskatchewan residents. They are fun to ride, have practical uses, and can get you places that you otherwise might not be able to access. ATVs are powerful machines that deserve an operator's complete attention. When you are driving an ATV, you are driving a motor vehicle that you need to operate safely. For ATV-related injuries in Canada, residential areas and private homes are most often indicated as the location at the time of injury, followed by roads and highways, and recreational areas. An ATV-related injury can occur in any one of these settings and appropriate safety behaviors must always be followed.
1. Whether using an ATV for work or recreational purposes, the first thing that needs to be top of mind is safety.
Factors that can be changed to reduce injuries include:
- Rider training;
- Keeping ATVs in good working order;
- Following the rules of the road;
- Wearing protective gear;
- Knowing and making the proper preparations;
- Operating the ATV safely (e.g., not attempting tricky manoeuvres; following the speed limit; and avoiding roads and streets when driving, except to cross the road or go around obstacles);
- Not riding with a passenger, unless your ATV is designed for more than one rider;
- Not using alcohol or drugs before or while riding; and,
- Remaining in control always, and paying attention to the elements, fellow drivers, and pedestrians.
2. When operating ATVs:
- Drive with due care and attention.
- Travel in the same direction as traffic.
- Keep to the right when approaching other vehicles.
- Pass other vehicles on the left.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Yield to vehicles on your right and to pedestrians.
- Signal turns when required.
- Stop for police.
- Maintain at least a two-metre distance from the edge of the road.
- Obey trail rules.
- When crossing a road, bring the ATV to a complete stop.
- When crossing a road, all passengers must dismount the ATV.
- Cross the road by the most direct route.
3. Safety gear includes an approved helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. A full-faced DOT (Department of Transportation) approved off-road helmet is preferred. If the helmet is not full-faced, then use off-road goggles in addition to your helmet. Clothing includes riding gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and over-the-ankle riding boots. Protective clothing is necessary to protect your skin from cuts, scrapes, and punctures. For recreational riders, off-road pants with knee-pads and chest and shoulder protectors are recommended. A helmet and eye protection are required by Saskatchewan law when riding an ATV on public land and are always recommended.
4. The off-road vehicle safety helmet should fit snugly but not hurt or pinch (your cheeks may be slightly squeezed). Make sure all straps are done up correctly on every ride. All helmets must be replaced after five years. ATV helmets are meant to protect for only one impact.
5. An ATV training course is recommended for operators of all ages. A safety course will help refresh skills for experienced ATV riders as well as teach new skills for new riders. Tell someone when and where you are going and when you are expected to return. Know your route. Carry your cell phone or a GPS with you.
6. Saskatchewan laws regulate who ATVs can be operated by and where ATVs can be operated. The All Terrain Vehicles Act does not regulate the use of ATVs on private land that is owned or occupied by the operator or a member of the operator's immediate family. The ATV Act states that no person under the age of 16 years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle. This means you must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver's licence to operate an ATV on public land in Saskatchewan. However, youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate an ATV on public and private land if all three of the following conditions are in place:
- They are accompanied by a supervising rider. The supervising rider can be on the same ATV (if it is designed for the transportation of a passenger) or riding a different ATV.
- They are supervised by someone who has held a driver's licence continuously for the last 365 days.
- They have passed an approved ATV training course.
The ATV Act can be found at http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=369&cl=5.
Further information on ATV Safety can be found at https://skprevention.ca/all-terrain-vehicle-atv-and-off-highway-vehicle-ohv-safety/.
