The first community watch neighbourhood zone has been established in Pembroke.
The designated community watch area covers Chamberlain Street from River Road to Mackay Street and signs have already gone up.
Homeowners on Chamberlain Street and neighbourhood watch block captains Debbie Andrews and Gary Smith hope to see the program grow to eventually include Hunter and Morris Streets.
Local residents Steven and Sandra Halpenny helped coordinate the program and say the second neighbourhood watch area, which has not been officially approved yet, will be around the Victoria Centre in Pembroke covering Renfrew, Isabella and Mary Streets.
He adds when out knocking on doors in the neighbourhood to gauge community interest, they received 99% support from other residents.
Deputy Mayor Ron Gervais, who is also the chair of the police services board, says the police can’t be everywhere and adds it’s nice to see the community moving forward with initiatives like this.
Co-chair of the Community Watch Program and Pembroke councillor Brian Abdallah says the community watch program is not a “gossip channel” or vigilantes on patrol. He adds the goal is to create a self and welcoming community.
Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Inspector Stephen Neufeld says this is a great community safety project and is an example of the community watching out for each other.
Interested members who want to get involved in the community watch program can email Councillors Abdallah (babdallah@pembroke.ca) or Gervais (rgervais@pembroke.ca) or attend the upcoming community watch meeting at the Pembroke Fire Hall on January 24th at 7:00pm.
Emails can also be sent to pembrokecwatch@gmail.com
In case of emergencies your first call should always be to 911.
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