Posted on Friday February 21, 2025
York Regional Police is pleased to mark the launch of the Fishing for Impaired initiative, partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) York Region, Arrive Alive Drive Sober, Ontario Provincial Police and Georgina Island Police to remind ice fishers, snowmobilers and anyone planning winter activities on the ice, that impaired driving, whether on the road or on a frozen lake is a criminal offence.
York Regional Police’s Road Safety Bureau and Marine Unit are focusing their attention on ensuring that the individuals engaged in the sport of ice fishing, and other winter activities on Lake Simcoe are doing so responsibly and safely.
Officers will be out on the ice of Lake Simcoe focusing their enforcement efforts on snowmobilers and ATV operators who feel it’s acceptable to consume alcohol while operating their vehicles. Similarly, sobriety checks were be conducted on ice fishers who are heading back to their personal vehicles. When it comes to drinking and driving, the same rules apply when out on the ice as when you’re operating a car on the road. The penalties for impaired snowmobiling or impaired operation of an ATV are also the same.
For more information on marine safety, please contact the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7321.
We are not giving up. Together with our partners and our community, we continue the fight against impaired driving. If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired, call 9-1-1.
We will respond to these calls through our Safe Roads: Your Call program.
If you consume alcoholic beverages or drugs, do not get behind the wheel. Ensure you always have a plan to get home safely.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
February 21, 2025
