New Canadians enjoy their first winter on the slopes with Waterloo Regional Police

A group of people who arrived in Canada within the last few months got their first taste of winter fun. CTV’s Leighanne Evans reports.

Waterloo Regional Police traded patrols for snow pants as part of Tubing Day at Chicopee Tube Park in Kitchener.

It is a special event in partnership with Reception House, a non-profit organization that offers support services for government-assisted refugees resettled in Waterloo Region

About 45 new Canadians got their first taste of winter at the event.

“A lot of the kids were up at 7 a.m. and then they had their snowsuits on at 11 a.m. and we weren’t leaving until 1 p.m. so they were ready!” laughed Jacqueline Haycraft, Youth Program Facilitator at Reception House.

Most of the people on the hill had only been in Canada for a month or so.

“The majority of our clients are Rohingya, so they’re coming from Bangladesh refugee camps and many of them have fled Myanmar where they’ve been persecuted for their religion,” said Haycraft.

Waterloo Regional Police Service Chief Mark Crowell said it is an important bonding day for everyone.

“It’s so crucial for us to build connections, to build trust, and to join in times where we’re celebrating and just having fun together. We know that when people are in times of need and times of emergency, we want them to trust us and know that we’re here to help as partners,” Crowell said.

Reception House said it is a learning experience for both sides.

This is the second year WRPS have helped to put the event together.

“When it comes to partnering up with the police, we just want people to have a positive association with the Waterloo Regional Police because many refugees, when they come to Canada, they’ve had bad encounters with police in their own country. So, having a positive, fun experience is really good for them,” Haycraft said.

Those on the force said it is beneficial for them too.

“We get a lot of fun and enjoyment – building stronger connections, especially with young kids where they’re coming from places in the world where policing is not the same as it is in Canada,” said Crowell.

Police are hoping the event serves an important day of connection as opposed to enforcement.