York Regional Police is proud to celebrate National Youth Week and will be working hand-in-hand with community partners, the school boards and the youth of our region during the week of May 5 to 10, 2008.

Events and programs geared toward youth and youth issues will be held across Canada and York Regional Police is participating in a variety of initiatives here in York Region.

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, Real You’th, a day-long celebration of youth and their contribution to our community, will take place at the Magna Centre recreation complex at 800 Mulock Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event includes the Gavin Wright Memorial 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney, a trade show, live bands, and other youth-related events. Gavin Wright was a local youth who overcame homelessness before dying tragically in a motor vehicle collision three years ago. York Regional Police, a proud sponsor of this event, will have displays featuring our youth programs and Student Crime Stoppers as well as police vehicles from the Traffic, Canine and Marine Units. The Real You’th event is expected to draw more than 2,000 youth from across the region.

On Monday, May 5, 2008, 40 youths from the City of Vaughan will participate in the YRP/Tim Hortons Earn-a-Bike program at Thackery Conservation Lands. On Wednesday, May 7, 2008, approximately 55 high school students from Markham and Stouffville will gather at Latcham Hall in Stouffville to discuss ways to improve communication between youth and police at a Youth Empowerment Strategy Forum.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, York Regional Police and the Muslim Youth Association will be hosting a youth forum to openly discuss issues that relate to the police and youth working together. York Regional Police will also attend the Dufferin Clarke Community Centre Open House on Friday, May 9, 2008 to provide crime prevention tips and police career information for youth and community members.

York Regional Police School Liaison Officers will be making presentations at several schools throughout the region, including Middlefield Collegiate on Monday, May 5, 2008, a Grade 9 orientation with Grade 8 students entering Stephen Lewis Secondary School on Thursday, May 8, 2008, and will also participate in Opening Ceremonies at Bur Oak Secondary School. In addition, Community Safety Village staff will deliver important education programs to 28 classes of youth ranging from Grades 1 to 4 during Youth Week.

“Through dialogue and positive contact we can keep the lines of communication open between the police and youth in our community,” said Chief Armand La Barge. “It fosters a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s perspective and much can be accomplished.”

The York Regional Police Open House at the Community Safety Village on May 10, 2008, concludes Youth Week events and also kicks off Police Week, which runs May 11 to 17, 2008.

All residents are encouraged to join us in celebrating National Youth Week. For further information on events and presentations, contact Sergeant Sarah Riddell in the Community Services Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext 6706.