Petition calls for better security at Sherkston

Residents want police presence following stabbing

An online petition is calling for better protection of guests and residents at Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores in Port Colborne.

On Saturday a 22-year-old man suffered what Niagara Regional Police called a “serious” stab wound following a fight near a basketball court in the campground. He was transported to a local hospital for further care, before later being flown by air ambulance to an outof-region hospital.

Sherkston Shores security personnel responded to the scene but many of the involved persons had fled. A person was initially arrested at the scene by NRP officers but was later released unconditionally, police said.

According to the change.org petition, the victim received one stab wound to his liver, was sprayed with mace and was beaten. It also said he will “be OK.”

Niagara Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Bryce Brunarski did not have an update on the man’s condition Wednesday.

The person who created the petition said the stabbing victim was trying to protect young girls who were being harassed. The individual also said “security stayed in their cars honking their horns while he was beaten as they are not equipped to deal with this level of violence.”

The petition, which had close to 700 signatures early Wednesday afternoon, also said “there are hundreds of people” entering the resort by hopping fencesand front gate, as well as by nearby Pleasant Beach.

The petition, which is listed as created by Janet Rockefeller, said it is “understandable that the security team does not have the tools to deal with this type of assault with a weapon, mace or large crowds of teens.”

The petition is pushing for highdefinition cameras to be installed at basketball courts, the “main Fun Plex” and front access gates, with signage indicating there are cameras.

Petitioners are also asking for a police presence for every long weekend and every weekend throughout the summer, as well as extra patrols.

Extra lighting at basketball courts is also something they hope to see implemented.

Strict enforcement for residents and guests to wear wristbands and have passes readily available upon entry to the resort is another issue the petition wants addressed.

“The Niagara Regional Police are aware of the concerns and is in communication with the municipality as well as community partners to ensure the ongoing safety of persons attending the area,” said District Commander Staff-Sgt. Phil Licskai in a statement Wednesday.

“Uniform officers will continue to proactively patrol and respond to calls for service as required,” he said.

Police remain committed to public safety and crime suppression and prevention, “while also recognizing the need to better manage limited human resources available for front-line patrol,” he added.

As Sherkston Shores is a business operated on private property, police “continue to assist them to ensure that they have proper security and staffing measures in place to address their operational needs,” said Licskai.

“We recognize that the incident that occurred over the weekend has an impact on our community as a whole.”

The police investigation remains ongoing.

Sherkston Shores security personnel responded to the scene but many of the involved persons had fled