(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) – The City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with policing agencies across Ontario, has concluded its annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign.
The campaign ran throughout the holiday season and focused on detecting and removing drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both from Ontario roadways.
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on OPP-patrolled highways.
Enforcement Results – Festive RIDE Campaign
Throughout the Festive RIDE campaign, City of Kawartha Lakes OPP officers conducted proactive patrols, RIDE spot checks, and responded to calls for service across the municipality.
A total of nine (9) drivers were charged with impaired-driving related offences during the campaign.
Impaired-Driving Charges Laid
(Most recent occurrences listed first)
January 2, 2026 – County Road 8, Fenelon Township
At approximately 9:20 a.m., City of Kawartha Lakes OPP officers conducted a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act offence on County Road 8 in Fenelon Township. Following an investigation, the driver was charged with impaired-driving related offences.
Charged:
David FARAGHER, 57, of Ajax
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Speeding – 70 km/h in a posted 40 km/h zone
• Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available
December 25, 2025 – Omemee
At approximately 5:12 p.m., City of Kawartha Lakes OPP were contacted to assist Emergency Medical Services after a driver was observed unconscious behind the wheel of a parked vehicle at a local business in Omemee. Following an investigation, the driver was arrested and impaired-driving charges were laid.
Charged:
Aliza HOTCHKIN, 43, of Bobcaygeon
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Fail to comply with probation order
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
December 14, 2025 – Pine Ridge Road Area, Laxton-Digby-Longford Township
At approximately 7:40 p.m., officers responded to reports of a driver unconscious behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Following an investigation, impaired-driving charges were laid.
Charged:
Joanne ROUBLE, 35, of Minden
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
December 14, 2025 – Fenelon Falls
At approximately 3:35 p.m., officers responded to a dispute at a local business. A driver who had left the scene was later located and, following an investigation, impaired-driving charges were laid.
Charged:
Katie VANDENELSEN, 36, of Fenelon Falls
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
December 7, 2025 – Near Kennedy Bay Road
Officers were notified of a dispute at a local residence and learned a driver had left the area and was believed to be impaired. The driver was later located and charged.
Charged:
Kallum FITZPATRICK, 24, of Dunsford
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration
November 30, 2025 – Highway 7 & Greenfield Road
Officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover. Following an investigation, the driver was charged with impaired driving and additional offences.
Charged:
Leah PATTERSON, 19, of Bobcaygeon
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Additional Highway Traffic Act offences
November 29, 2025 – Thunder Bridge Road & Highway 35
Officers conducting a Festive RIDE program spoke with the occupants of a motor vehicle. Following an investigation, the driver was charged and a passenger received a provincial offence notice.
Driver Charged:
Jacob PHILLIPS, 28, of Janetville
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Liquor-related offences
November 29, 2025 – Lindsay
Following a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act offence, the driver was charged with impaired driving and additional offences.
Charged:
Christine WATSON, 41, of Lindsay
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Multiple Highway Traffic Act and Liquor Licence Control Act offences
November 27, 2025 – Bobcaygeon
Officers responded to a traffic complaint and, following an investigation, impaired-driving charges were laid.
Charged:
Natalia NIKITINA, 48, of Bobcaygeon
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
November 23, 2025 – King Street, Omemee
(Not included in the original release – name corrected from Brian to Bradley)
At approximately 7:54 p.m., City of Kawartha Lakes OPP officers were conducting uniform patrol in the area of King Street, Omemee, when an Automatic Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) alerted officers to a prohibited driver travelling past the cruiser. A traffic stop was initiated and, following an investigation, impaired-driving and additional charges were laid.
Charged:
Bradley MACKAY, 37, of Lindsay
• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
• Possession of a Schedule I substance – methamphetamine
• Obstruct peace officer
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
• Operate motor vehicle without insurance
Public Reminder
Impaired driving includes alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Drivers are urged to plan a safe ride home and to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.
All drivers charged with impaired-driving offences face a seven-day vehicle impoundment and a 90-day driver’s licence suspension.
The OPP thanks members of the public who made responsible choices and helped keep Ontario roads safer during the holiday season.