Although the ice may appear thick, the lower levels can vary in depth, resulting in different ice thicknesses over a short distance.
Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to 30 calls for service between December 12, 2022 and January 19, 2023. Thirty-eight written violations and warning tickets were issued to drivers between the above dates for various crimes related to motor vehicles. Road and road safety continues to be a focus for the Hudson’s Hope RCMP.
On December 18, Hudson’s Hope RCMP observed a known individual walking through local parking lots and residential yards. This individual was observed walking up to random vehicles and testing the door handles to see if they were unlocked. The police intervened before entering and an investigation was launched. The individual was released with a warning and no further incidents were reported.
On December 19, Hudson’s Hope RCMP attended a single motor vehicle accident along Highway 29 in which the driver swerved to avoid hitting an antelope, and the vehicle slid into the ditch Neither the driver nor Mr Bullwinkle were injured, but the vehicle sustained minor damage.
On Dec. 20, Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to a residential structure fire in the city. After investigations, it was found that the fire was ruled accidental due to a heater being used in a small crawl space under the main floor to thaw frozen pipes. The homeowner did not suffer any major injuries, and according to the quick response of the Hope Fire Department in Hudson, the fire was contained to a small area of the residence.
On December 31st, Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted impaired driving enforcement on New Year’s Eve. Police stopped and checked several motorists that night and as a result two motorists were charged with impaired driving. Based on the investigations, one driver received a 90-day driving ban and a 30-day vehicle impoundment, while the other driver received a three-day driving ban and a three-day vehicle impoundment . The length of the driver’s ban and the length of the vehicle impoundment differs depending on the level of intoxication and the impaired history of the driver.
On Jan. 10, Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted a vehicle stop after police observed a vehicle traveling through a marked school zone at a confirmed speed of 68 km/h. The number plates attached to the vehicle were found to be stolen and the driver was confirmed to be a prohibited driver. The driver was subsequently charged with possession of stolen property and driving while disqualified, along with several other fines under the Motor Vehicles Act. The case remains open for judicial proceedings.
On Jan. 10, Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of an ATV incident that occurred at Williston Lake. Two individuals were reported to have ventured onto the ice on Lake Williston in ATVs for ice fishing purposes when they hit a thin area and broke the ice. The two individuals escaped by taking an ice bath from the north, but the two ATVs ended up submerged for a while until they were later recovered. There were no major injuries to the pilots.
As a reminder to all ice fishing enthusiasts venturing out onto local lakes during the winter months, although the ice may appear thick in some areas, the levels of the beds below can vary in depth , resulting in different ice thicknesses within a short distance. As a safety note, when venturing onto frozen lakes, take the time to test the thickness of the ice as you go and be equipped with safety equipment ie: ropes, In-Reach devices, etc. , and always advise someone of an estimated return date/time if a major incident occurs.
On January 13, Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle fire along Canyon Drive. Police located a single vehicle on fire and later located the driver who was uninjured. From the investigation of the file, it was learned that the vehicle fire was not accidental and that the owner had decided to set fire to his own vehicle for unknown reasons. Later in the day, police interacted with the same individual for another police incident and, based on the circumstances of that incident, the individual was taken into custody and transported to Fort St. Hospital. John.
On Jan. 15, Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted a motorist stop along Robson Road. after the driver was believed to be operating a motor vehicle while impaired. Based on the result of a roadside sobriety test, the driver was confirmed to be impaired and received a three-day driving ban and a three-day vehicle impoundment.
On Jan. 15, Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to a report of a damaged power pole along Clarke Avenue. Police attended the scene and located a power pole that had been struck by a commercial vehicle, causing the pole to partially dislodge, causing a live line to dislodge from the insulator and lost power to several city and area residents for several hours. Police located the vehicle that had struck the utility pole and, according to the investigation, the incident was ruled accidental.
On January 16, after receiving several reports over the previous month of vehicles not stopping for school bus signals when students were being dropped off at designated school bus stops, police conducted route patrols of the school bus. According to the patrol that day, no motor vehicle violations were observed. Police will continue to monitor these reports.
As a reminder, once the school bus has come to a complete stop, the bus driver must extend the stop arm and activate the flashing red signal lights before opening the bus door. If a school bus stops to pick up or drop off passengers with its stop arm and signal lights on, all drivers must stop and not pass whether the bus is approaching or you are behind of the bus Vehicles will not move forward until the bus has fully disembarked or picked up all passengers and started moving. In British Columbia, the first offense penalty for illegally passing a school bus is $368 and for drivers who receive a second ticket, the fine will be $668, and a third offense will put a driver over $1,000 dollars for this third offense alone.
Anyone with information about current or past investigations can contact the Hudson’s Hope RCMP directly at 250-783-5241 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Visit for tips on submitting tips online and to browse the “Most Wanted” page.
St. Erich Schmidt is the commander of the Hudson’s Hope RCMP Interim Detachment