A new Durham police marine vessel is now stationed at Port Perry Marina, giving officers a dedicated platform for emergency response, patrols and boating safety on Lake Scugog.
Durham Regional Police officially launched the vessel on August 4, 2026, describing it as a significant expansion of the service’s marine-policing capability in north Durham.
The vessel, named Genawaabi, will be permanently based in Port Perry and can also be deployed to other waterways across Durham Region.
Durham Police Marine Vessel Expands Lake Scugog Coverage
The new boat is a Canadian-made KingFisher 2425 Escape Hardtop built in Vernon, British Columbia.
It is powered by a 300-horsepower engine and includes dual helms.
Durham police says the vessel was specifically selected for its ability to operate in shallow waterways such as Lake Scugog while remaining versatile enough for use elsewhere in the region.
Police expect it to support:
- Emergency response
- Search and rescue operations
- Proactive marine patrols
- Boating-safety education
- Marine investigations
- Enforcement activity
- Assistance for boaters in distress
The vessel also gives police a permanent presence on Lake Scugog for the first time in more than 20 years.
DRPS Chief Peter Moreira said the investment should improve response times and give officers additional tools to serve residents and visitors using Durham’s waterways.
Provincial Grant Supported New Police Boat
The vessel was acquired with funding through Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Grant Program.
Durham police says the investment is intended to strengthen public safety and increase the Marine Unit’s ability to respond to emergencies and dangerous behaviour on the water.
That includes impaired boating, which police identify as one of the behaviours an increased enforcement presence could help deter.
DRPS says its Marine Unit now provides coverage seven days a week across Durham Region.
The service describes the unit as the fifth-largest municipal police marine unit in Canada, with responsibilities that include enforcement, search and rescue and community outreach.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Names Vessel
The new Durham police marine vessel carries the name Genawaabi, selected by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Chief Kelly LaRocca said the Anishinabemowin word generally means “they watch” or “they observe.”
The name reflects both the vessel’s public-safety role and the cultural importance of Lake Scugog and surrounding waterways to the First Nation.
Durham police thanked the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for naming the vessel and recognized the community’s longstanding relationship with the lands and waterways around Lake Scugog.
Permanent Presence at Port Perry Marina
Genawaabi will remain stationed at Port Perry Marina, giving officers faster access to Lake Scugog when emergencies occur.
Police say the dedicated vessel will help improve response times while increasing visibility on the water.
The boat is expected to serve residents, visitors, recreational boaters and businesses relying on Durham Region waterways for years to come.
