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New Community Policing office opens in Chemainus

Volunteers still being sought to facilitate the organization’s programs
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The Chemainus Community Policing office grand opening occurred last Wednesday, Aug. 3. Back row from left: Sgt. Trevor Busch, Sarah Davidge-Cardinal, acting North Cowichan Mayor Debra Toporowski, Stephanie Ballantyne, Staff Sgt. Ken Beard, Courtney Godolphin. Front: Nathan Carson, Const. Bert Calvo, Const. Vanessa Fields. (Photo by Art Carlyle)

The new Chemainus Community Policing office is officially open.

Cowichan Community Policing and Engagement Society celebrated the grand opening of the office located at Waterwheel Square last Wednesday, Aug. 3.

The new office shares space with the Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce. It will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sarah Davidge-Cardinal, manager of programs and volunteers from the CCP&ES, was joined by Chamber president Stephanie Ballantyne to officially open the office and welcome the public.

“Today is another milestone for Community Policing,” said Davidge-Cardinal. “Stephanie was instrumental in welcoming Community Policing to Chemainus and we are so grateful for the support of the Chamber of Commerce.”

Acting North Cowichan Mayor Debra Toporowski and Councillor Rosalie Sawrie also participated in the grand opening and were joined by RCMP members. Sgt. Trevor Busch and new Staff Sgt. Ken Beard were there in Red Serge, representative of the organization’s relationship with the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment.

CCP&ES is currently looking for more volunteers to help support a variety of programs, including Block Watch, Speed Watch, Business Watch and other initiatives to promote community safety. People can contact Community Policing at 250-416-3460 or ccpes.chemainus@shaw.ca to volunteer or find out more information.

CCP&ES also has offices located in Duncan at #5-2628 Beverly St. and in Cowichan Bay at 1721E Cowichan Bay Rd. where staff is happy to meet new volunteers and hear from the community. After all, ‘volunteers are the heart of Community Policing,’ as its slogan goes.

“This is another milestone for the new Cowichan Community Policing & Engagement Society, as we continue to listen to the voice of the communities and the need for local support in their respective areas,” added Davidge-Cardinal.

Part-time staff will be hired to train for these offices.

Davidge-Cardinal indicated two Vancouver Island University fourth year practicum students were recently hired. Courtney Godolphin and Nathan Carson completed their practicum from January to April and are in a part-time capacity to support the North Cowichan/Duncan and newly-opened Chemainus offices.

A part time office co-ordinator for the South Cowichan Community Policing Office in Mill Bay is still being sought. The job description is available on the website, www.ccpesoc.ca.

The CCP&ES is a volunteer facilitated organization. As a not-for-profit society, it relies on grants and financial sponsors to keep the office doors open and be active in crime prevention.

The society provides crime prevention, community safety programs and resources for the community, working in partnership with individuals, groups, agencies and the RCMP detachment to make the North Cowichan/Duncan and Cowichan Bay communities safer places to live, work and play.

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Door to the new Community Policing office in Chemainus. (Photo by Art Carlyle)
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At the Chemainus Community Policing office grand opening, back row from left, are: Sarah Davidge-Cardinnal, Courtney Godolphin, Nathan Carson, Sgt. Trevor Busch, Staff Sgt. Ken Beard, North Cowichan Councillor Rosalie Sawrie, Stephanie Ballantyne. Front: Const. Vanessa Fields, acting North Cowichan Mayor Debra Toporowski, Const. Bert Calvo. (Photo by Art Carlyle)
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Sarah Davidge-Cardinal, manager of programs and volunteers for the Cowichan Community Policing and Engagement Society, with Sgt. Trevor Busch. (Photo by Art Carlyle)
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Acting North Cowichan Mayor Debra Toporowski with Sgt. Trevor Busch at the opening of the new community policing office in Chemainus. (Photo by Art Carlyle)