Winnipeg’s Bear Clan Patrol launches in Regina, Kenora; more chapters in works

WINNIPEG — Winnipeg’s Bear Clan Patrol is expanding.

The group started as a small number of volunteers passionate about keeping the streets of the North End safe, and now two other cities are starting similar grassroots patrol models.

Last Friday, a branch in Regina, known as the White Pony Lodge took its first watch. On Tuesday morning, another patrol group started in Kenora. Both of these chapters were modelled off of the Bear Clan in Winnipeg.

RELATED: Winnipeg search group Bear Clan Patrol gains national attention 

James Favel, leader of the Winnipeg-based patrol group, was in Kenora for the launch of the group. He said the idea to branch out to Kenora started back in March, after the death of 16-year-old resident Delaine Copenance.

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Bear Clan helped conduct searches for the in Kenora for the teen, and Favel said he was encouraged by the two regions coming together for a common cause.

The response from the Regina and Kenora groups, as well as other prospective regions in Canada, speaks volumes, demonstrating that protection — specifically for vulnerable members of the community — is at an utmost high.

“People are not content to sit back and watch anymore,” Favel said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "People are not content to sit back and watch anymore," Favel said.

The Bear Clan Patrol started in 1992, but after several years, the group began to diminish and eventually went on hiatus. Favel revived the the patrol in 2014, after the death of 15-year-old youth Tina Fontaine.

Community members, led by Favel and about a dozen others, hits the streets of Winnipeg once again in May 2015. The group have taken part in a number of missing persons searches since then, including those for two-year old Chase Martens and 17-year old Cooper Nemeth.

RELATED: Nemeth family thanks Bear Clan Patrol for help with homemade meal

The Winnipeg branch now has over 100 volunteers. Favel said he’s had requests for information from as far as Labrador and B.C.

In each case, Favel said he’s has been more than happy to provide as much resources as possible in the ongoing trek towards public safety all across Canada.

“We’re just waiting on people to come see us,” Favel said.