In Pembroke, Ontario, certain parking spots now display a new insignia.
The areas outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Dr. that display the handshake symbol are designed to serve as community safety zones for online transactions.
If you purchase something online and need to meet someone in person to pay for it or pick it up, there are locations you may use to guarantee everyone’s safety, according to the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP.
According to an OPP news release, “Project Safe Trade aims to establish a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions.” “The idea behind establishing a ‘community safety zone’ is to shift online transactions from private parking lots, homes, and other locations to public spaces.”
There is no need for appointments; the secure trading locations will be open at all times.

“The busy holiday season is approaching, making this the perfect time for the local launch of Project Safe Trade.” According to Steph Neufeld, commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment, “online property transactions are on the rise, and the UOV OPP is pleased to be initiating a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions.” “Project Safe Trade and other collaborative methods can lessen victimization and harm in our communities.”
Const. Mike Mahon told CTV News that the areas also offer a means of assisting in preventing the potential of becoming a victim of fraud.
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” goes the saying. Particularly if you’re asking that they meet here and they’re really hesitant, then you should be concerned,” he stated.
According to the OPP, police will not function as witnesses, mediators, or providers of documents in relation to transactions. However, if an officer is called, they will come and only get involved if the transaction turns into a criminal case
My Son’s Boyfriend Dresses My Granddaughter Inappropriately. Here’s What I Did About It.

I drove up to my son’s new house early Saturday morning, looking forward to a day with my granddaughter, Trisha. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the quiet neighborhood. As I pulled up to the driveway, I saw Trisha waiting on the porch, and my heart leapt with joy. But as she came into full view, my joy turned to shock. My eight-year-old granddaughter was dressed in an outfit more suited for a teenager heading to a rave than a young child.
She wore a crop top, mini skirt, and chunky boots, with her hair dyed a bright, unnatural shade of pink. I could barely recognize the sweet girl I used to tuck into bed every night. My son’s new partner, Sonya, stood behind her, looking entirely unbothered.

“Good morning, Grandma!” Trisha chirped, running up to hug me.
“Morning, sweetheart,” I replied, my voice catching in my throat. “What are you wearing?”
Before Trisha could answer, Sonya stepped forward. “It’s the latest fashion, Janet. Kids express themselves through their clothing these days. You wouldn’t understand.”
The Rift in the Family
The loss of my daughter-in-law had been devastating for our family. My son, Mark, had been inconsolable for months. In his grief, he had asked me to move in with him and help take care of Trisha. We had formed a close-knit unit, helping each other heal. But then, Sonya appeared.
At first, I was hopeful. Mark deserved happiness, and if Sonya could provide that, I would support their relationship. But it quickly became apparent that she was not a good influence. She encouraged Mark to work less and party more, leaving Trisha in her care far too often.
When Mark decided to move in with Sonya, I was left in his house, relegated to seeing Trisha only on weekends. It felt as though my entire life had been upended by this woman who didn’t seem to care about the family she was disrupting.
A Day of Reflection
After the initial shock, I decided to go on with the day as planned. We went to the park, had lunch at her favorite restaurant, and visited the zoo. But throughout the day, I couldn’t shake the image of Trisha’s outfit and Sonya’s dismissive attitude.
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