Municipality of Sioux Lookout

Ontario Provincial Police

The Sioux Lookout detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police consists of one Staff Sergeant, four Sergeants, 30 Constables, three Stenographers and ten Guards, as well as four Auxiliary Officers. The detachment also maintains two Cadet positions. The OPP provide 24-hour service to the community and outlying unorganized territory. Policing consists of regular highway patrol, foot/bicycle patrols, marine patrol, commercial vehicle enforcement, motorized snow vehicle patrol, school safety and crime prevention programs.

In March 2002, the Sioux Lookout Criminal Unit was added to the force with a compliment of one Detective Sergeant, three Detective Constables and one Abuse Issues Coordinator.

The Sioux Lookout Detachment also manages the Northwest Patrol Unit, which is responsible for administrating the Ontario First Nations Policing Programs in Big Trout Lake and Weagamow Lake. The Unit's staff consists of one Sergeant and five Constables who conduct fly-in supervision and management of 12 First Nations Constables policing the First Nation communities.

Nishnawbe‑Aski Nation Police Service

This police force took over the duties of most of the First Nation communities under the jurisdiction of the OPP Northwest Patrol. The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Agreement is an “agreement in principle” negotiated between the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. The primary goal behind the Agreement is the establishment of a First Nation Police Service that provides effective, efficient and culturally appropriate policing to the people in the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.

On June 1, 1998, the Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service assumed policing from the former Northwest Patrol Unit administered by the Ontario Provincial Police, except for the First Nations communities of Big Trout Lake, Weagamow, and Pikangikum. As of April 1, 1999, it was one of the larger police forces in the Province.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Agreement is the most autonomous policing agreement in Canada. Its jurisdictional area encompasses almost two-thirds of the Province of Ontario, from the Manitoba to Quebec borders. It employs a complement of 93 police officers and 18 civilian support staff and has jurisdiction both on and off reserve.

MNR Conservation Officers

The mandate of the Enforcement Branch is to provide effective regulatory protection of Ontario's natural resources, environment and public safety. MNR enforces 27 Acts and Regulations and administers 45 Acts and Regulations. Enforcement efforts cover all MNR program areas including; Fish and Wildlife, Forestry, Lands/Waters, Species at Risk, Petroleum, Parks, Agriculture, Fire and Aggregates.

Correctional Services

The correctional system in Sioux Lookout (i.e. probation, police and the courts) allows a cooperative, pro‑active team approach to assist people who, for whatever reason, choose anti‑social behaviour and end up in the court system.

Probation Services, Young Offenders

Probation Services provides supervision and guidance for young offenders and their families as provided by the Young Offenders Act and is governed under the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services. Probation Services work with young offenders up to the age of 16 years who are on probation or in custody and liaises with community agencies to assist the youth in developing a plan of action to avoid further involvement with the legal system.

By-Law Enforcement

The By-Law Enforcement Department, under the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, provides a variety of services including the enforcement of by-laws for the community, including animal control. The By-Law Office can be reached by calling 807-737-2564.

Emergency Services

Fire Protection is a Municipal responsibility. The Fire Chief manages the resources of the Municipal Fire Department to provide immediate and effective emergency response services to the community, to promote fire safety, fire prevention, and to coordinate emergency planning for the Municipality. The Fire Department consists of two fire halls: The Sioux Lookout Fire Station and the Hudson Fire Station.

The two fire stations have a combined volunteer force of 44 fire fighters. In addition to the Fire Chief, there is one District Fire Chief, one Deputy Fire Chief, six Captains and 35 fire fighters. One Administrative Clerk is located at the Sioux Lookout Fire Station.

The Fire Department equipment consists of two equipment trucks, four pumper trucks, one Jaws-of-Life truck, an Ice/Water Rescue truck, a Compressed Foam Fire Truck and, the newest addition, a ladder truck. All of this equipment is used to aid the fire fighters in all aspects of fire fighting, auto extrication and the rescuing of survivors in ice/water related mishaps. The Fire Department is responsible for 24 hours-a-day coverage of an area of 536 square kilometres, which encompasses Alcona to the east, just beyond Ojibway Provincial Park to the south, Hudson to the west and ten kilometres to the north.

Throughout the year fire fighters perform additional duties such as conducting tours of the Fire Halls for the schools to teach students about the operations of the Fire Department. Fire fighters spearhead the annual Santa Clause parade; provide assistance every year to the Lions Club with their annual July 1st fire works display; hold a Children's Day during the Blueberry Festival and hold an open house during Fire Prevention week.

Also in place, under the mandate of the Municipality's Chief Administrative Officer, is an Emergency Plan which prepares the community in the event of a major disaster.