William Dale
Published online June 3, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
RAPIDES-DES-JOACHIMS — A chaotic incident over the May long weekend has renewed calls for improved police coverage in Rapides-des-Joachims, where local leaders say long response times continue to put residents at risk.
The issue was raised at the latest MRC Pontiac council meeting, where Mayor Roger Lafond highlighted the municipality’s geographic isolation and its reliance on the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) detachment in Campbell’s Bay, more than 90 minutes away.
Concerns were amplified following a May long weekend incident initially reported as a vehicle theft. According to SQ spokesperson Sgt. Marc Tessier, dispatchers received a call around 1:30 pm on May 16 reporting a logging truck being driven recklessly through the village.
Although the vehicle was initially reported stolen by its Ontario-based owner, the subsequent investigation determined otherwise. When officers located the truck abandoned near Rue de l’Église, they identified the driver as a local woman in her 20s who was known to the owner.
“The truck was not stolen,” Tessier said, noting the case does not involve a random theft.
Because the matter qualifies as a summary offence, no arrest was made. Police are preparing a report for Crown prosecutors, who will determine whether charges will be laid.
At its May 21 meeting, MRC Pontiac passed a resolution supporting Rapides-des-Joachims’ request for recognition as a remote and isolated community. Mayor Roger Lafond said the designation could help pave the way for a formal cross-border policing agreement with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Deep River, located about 20 minutes away across the Ottawa River.
Currently, neighbouring Ontario police services may be called to assist in urgent situations until SQ officers arrive, but only in a limited peacekeeping capacity. Tessier said such mutual aid arrangements are already used when required.
“If their unit is closer than ours, they will come and assist us just to save time to keep the peace,” he said.
However, local officials argue a permanent arrangement is needed. According to Lafond, Quebec legislation already provides a mechanism that could allow specially trained OPP officers to exercise police powers on the Quebec side under a formal agreement.
“Before I threw my hat in the ring for mayor, I researched the possibility of out-of-province policing,” Lafond said.
The municipality’s next step will be to build support for its request by documenting emergency service gaps, travel times and other challenges associated with the community’s remote location. The information will be shared with provincial ministries, regional health authorities and federal representatives as part of a broader campaign for recognition.
While Tessier noted response times vary depending on patrol locations and circumstances, municipal leaders maintain that distance remains a significant challenge.
Before formally pursuing remote-community status, Lafond said council intends to consult residents about the proposal and its potential implications.
“If our citizens agree to us pursuing the remote community status, it will give us more support in our quest,” he said.
Photo — An aerial view shows the bridge connecting Rapides-des-Joachims to Ontario. Following a long-weekend joyride incident, local leaders have renewed calls for a special remote-community designation that could pave the way for expanded cross-border policing coverage. (Government of Canada)
