Unanimous support from members of Midland council came during a notice of motion seeking endorsement of a proposed alert system aimed at targeting at-risk youth in a manner similar to Amber Alerts.
The Draven Alert would complement the child-abduction Amber Alert system used across the province, instead focusing on “vulnerable children who have not been abducted but are at high risk of danger, injury or death and alert the public that they are missing.”
It was endorsed by the town of Brighton following a tragedy this summer when an 11-year-old Lindsay boy with autism, Draven Graham, was found deceased without an Amber Alert notification due to his not being abducted.
Many municipalities have since lent their support, including Bonfield Township, Cobourg, Mississauga, Shuniah, Magnetawan, and Mattawa.
Likewise, North Simcoe municipalities Tay and Tiny Townships voiced unanimous approval for supporting the system in their council meetings this summer.
At the recent regular meeting of Midland council, Coun. Bill Gordon brought forward the notice of motion.
“I don’t mind being a follower rather than a leader in this capacity,” stated Gordon. “I think this is a well thought out request.”
Mayor Stewart Strathearn also added he would “be happy to support our neighbouring municipalities” in approving the endorsement.
Coun. Jonathan Main noted that there could be potential for other alerts to be explored, offering a “safe arrival system for preschools” or daycares as examples.
Information on the Draven Alert proposal is available within the council agenda on the Town of Midland website.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be attended in person or virtually through Zoom by contacting the clerk’s department of Midland town hall for a link to the meeting.
Council meetings can also be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.
