The DRPS Marine Vessel has officially entered service on Lake Scugog, marking the first time in more than two decades that the Durham Regional Police Service has operated a dedicated marine patrol boat on the lake.
The vessel was officially launched Tuesday during a ceremony at Port Perry Marina, where police, local officials and representatives from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Funded through Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Grant program, the new patrol boat is expected to strengthen emergency response, improve marine safety and expand police presence on Lake Scugog and other waterways throughout Durham Region.
Modern vessel built for Durham waterways
The DRPS Marine Vessel is a Canadian-built KingFisher 2425 Escape Hardtop manufactured in Vernon, British Columbia.
Powered by a 300-horsepower engine and equipped with dual helm stations, the vessel was selected specifically for its ability to navigate shallow waterways such as Lake Scugog while remaining capable of operating throughout Durham Region’s broader marine environment.
Police say the new boat will improve response times, increase proactive patrols and enhance the service’s ability to conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating laws and educate the public about safe boating practices.
Expanding marine safety
Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira said the new vessel represents an important investment as the region continues to grow.
He said the addition strengthens the police service’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies, support partner agencies, address impaired boating, provide public education and maintain a safe environment on local waterways.
The expansion also allows the DRPS Marine Unit to provide seven-day-a-week marine coverage across Durham Region, increasing its ability to respond whenever assistance is required on the water.
Marine officers perform a wide range of duties, including emergency response, boating enforcement, search and rescue operations and community outreach during the busy boating season.
Vessel receives Indigenous name
During the launch ceremony, the vessel was officially given the name Genawaabi, selected by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Chief Kelly LaRocca explained that the Anishinabemowin name translates roughly to “they watch” or “they observe.”
She welcomed the increased police presence while encouraging officers to respect the importance of local waterways.
Referring to water as “Nibi,” meaning life, she wished the marine officers safe travel while serving both Scugog Township and the First Nation community.
Supporting residents and visitors
Lake Scugog remains one of Durham Region’s busiest recreational waterways, attracting boaters, anglers and visitors throughout the spring, summer and fall.
The DRPS Marine Vessel will provide a visible police presence designed to improve public safety while supporting emergency incidents and recreational boating activities.
Police say the vessel will remain in service for many years and forms part of the organization’s ongoing modernization efforts to provide effective policing both on land and on the water.
Officials believe the investment will help protect residents, visitors and local communities while ensuring Durham Region’s growing waterfront areas continue to receive dedicated marine policing services.
