First Nation errects toll booth on Hwy. 11

News Release
O.P.P.

The Rainy River District OPP Detachment with support from OPP Regional Command Staff and the Northwest Region Emergency Response Team continue to monitor the Couchiching First Nations Toll Booth area on Highway 11 just west of the Noden Causeway.
A toll booth was erected by Couchiching First Nations on May 21, 2010 at approximately 4:45 pm as a result of various issues facing the Couchiching community.
Since the implementation of the toll booth, police presence has continued at and around the area of the initiative. Participants have been peaceful and cooperative with police as officers perform their duties and responsibilities. For the most part, motorists have been orderly. Officers recognize that local travel on Highway 11 is the only direct route to areas east of the community. Tourists travelling to areas north of the Highway 17 tourist areas may wish to use an alternate route to avoid delays. The average delay on May 21st was approximately 25 minutes for eastbound traffic at peak hours. There was no delay for westbound traffic but police anticipate this will change as the Victoria Day weekend comes to an end.
In the meantime, the role of the OPP will be to continue to monitor the event, keep the peace and protect the public. Many questions have been received from motorists regarding the toll. The OPP will not speculate on situations that might arise as a result of toll collection. OPP recognize that this is a complex issue that is being addressed by many involved provincial authorities. Your local detachment is urging members of the public to be patient, peaceful and respectful as these issues are resolved. The OPP will not speculate on any possible actions taken by other agencies.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Rainy River District Detachment continue their presence at a toll booth erected within the Couchiching First Nation Territory on Highway 11 just west of the Noden Causeway to ensure public safety.
The OPP will remain at the location to preserve the peace, maintain public safety and investigate any criminal acts. The OPP is urging everyone to be patient, respectful and not to jeopardize the peace as it works to maintain the orderly flow of traffic.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Rainy River District Detachment continues to have a presence at a toll booth erected within the Couchiching First Nation Territory on Highway 11 just west of the Noden Causeway.
The OPP want to assure the public that plain clothes officers are present at the site of the toll booth in addition to uniform personal near the scene to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic.
Traffic disruptions at the toll booth are minimal and police report there have been only short delays.
The OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and are reminding everyone involved and the general public to respect the beliefs of others. The primary goal of the OPP continues to be to keep the peace, to ensure public safety while holding individuals accountable for their behaviour.
“I am asking for the patience of the public and for all involved parties and stakeholders to come together and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the underlying issues,” stated Inspector John Kendrick, Detachment Commander.