KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides day and overnight activities for kids during July and August with a commitment to offering top-notch experiences both on and off the ice, according to its website. However, a significant concern arose this summer as one of its main instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, had recently pleaded guilty to assaulting children. Gibbs admitted to two counts of assault against known individuals, as per his attorney. Due to a court order, further details cannot be disclosed by CBC News.
Despite being described as an influential coach and mentor in the Kawartha Lakes area on the camp’s website, Gibbs decided to step down following a query from CBC News to him and the camp. Camp management informed parents via email that they had been supporting Gibbs throughout a personal legal issue for the past year, without specifying if they were aware of his guilty pleas or the reasons behind retaining him on staff.
Presently, there are no specific Ontario regulations mandating summer camps to conduct background checks on their employees. Following the publication of this news, Premier Doug Ford’s office announced plans to enforce mandatory criminal background checks for summer camps, deeming the hiring of individuals with criminal records for children’s camps unacceptable.
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) mandates its 400+ accredited members to screen staff with criminal record checks, but membership with the organization is voluntary, allowing camps like KL Hockey Camp to operate without adhering to such standards. Camp director Amanda Tayles emphasized that Gibbs had taken responsibility for his actions publicly and that the camp’s primary focus remains on ensuring a safe and positive environment for campers.
Gibbs, who did not respond to CBC News’ request for comment before the deadline, is expected to face sentencing in September. He continues to be employed by the Durham Regional Police Services in an administrative role, pending the outcome of his criminal matter. The lack of legislated requirements for summer camps has raised concerns among legal experts, emphasizing the necessity for mandatory vulnerable sector checks for camp staff to prevent similar incidents in the future.