Hay River police ‘occurrences’ up by almost 1,000 year on year

The number of police “occurrences” in Hay River went up from 3,484 in 2024 to 4,428 last year, an increase of nearly 1,000, according to a recent RCMP report.

Occurrences are defined by RCMP as any type of police-related event or activity – either a call for service or self-generated by an officer – entered into RCMP records management systems.

Hay River detachment commander Sgt Phil Unger said the year-on-year increase cannot be “pinpointed to one specific reason.”

Sgt Unger said officers are working closely with the community to encourage the reporting of criminal or suspected criminal activity, including through anonymous platforms such as P3 Tips or Crimestoppers.

“We have noticed an increased pressure on groups choosing to settle and sell drugs in our community, as well as the growing frustration within the community towards the illegal drug trade in our neighbourhoods,” he told Cabin Radio via email.

“This increased pressure has resulted in more tips coming from community members and more cooperation with the RCMP through the sharing of information.”

Unger spoke in the same week that police announced raids at two locations in Hay River had resulted in charges against six people, including four residents of the town.

He added the evacuation of Fort Providence to Hay River in August 2025 due to a wildfire led to an increase in calls for service as displaced residents faced significant stress. For some evacuees, he said, the situation contributed to increased substance use, which resulted in more RCMP involvement.

“Hay River RCMP is fortunate to be very well staffed,” said Unger.

“Local officers include both new recruits to the RCMP and the Hay River community, as well as officers who have been here for many years and who, along with their families, have become integrated into the community.

“This integration has positive benefits for all, including improving relationships between officers and community members, which translates into more calls to the police as residents place greater trust in the police to bring positive change within the community.”

‘An active stance’

Town of Hay River director of protective services Travis Wright said the increase in RCMP occurrences does not directly translate to a higher demand for municipal protective services, as many police calls do not involve the department.

Although Wright hasn’t seen the police report yet, he noted his department’s numbers have risen slightly compared to last year. He said he wasn’t surprised by the increase in RCMP calls.

Town protective services primarily become involved when medical assistance is required. Wright said the department responded to 656 medical calls in 2025, up from 577 the previous year. In total, protective services responded to 779 calls by year end, including fire responses, false alarms and rescue calls.

Wright said RCMP typically contact protective services for ambulance assistance or when medical crews are required to stand by during police operations in town. Beyond that, police activity does not usually impact the department’s workload.

In October, the department received 90 calls, which he described as its busiest month. The department has three full-time staff on duty, supported by about 32 on-call firefighters, with total staffing typically ranging between 30 and 35 people.

Hay River’s town council is expected to discuss the RCMP report at a later date with a representative of the detachment in attendance.

Town manager Glenn Smith said it’s clear that RCMP, the community and the town’s Healthy Communities Committee are actively addressing crime and other issues in Hay River. 

“Social issues are prevalent in all communities across Canada,” Smith said.

“You’re seeing and hearing how Hay River is doing a great job in taking an active stance and using tools available – not all communities are.”