Family found safe in Ardagh Bluffs thanks to quick-thinking mom, technology

A Saturday evening stroll for a family turned scary before Barrie police eventually used their canine unit and some helpful technology. 

City police received a call around 8:20 p.m., Saturday, from a mom who had become lost in the wooded area of Ardagh Bluffs, located in Barrie's south end, while walking with her three kids and their puppy.

Barrie police communication co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday the mother, teenager and two young children had become disoriented as to where they were and made the call to police for help.

“We had two officers and an officer with the canine unit, along with our canine (police service dog Thunder) dispatched and were able to find them very quickly due to them staying where they were when they called, but also because of some great technology,” he said. 

Leon said there will be more information made public Monday regarding the technology officers were able to use to find the family, but said it was accurate enough to “even tell police what the best point of entry was to find them quickly.”

From the time of the call to when police located the family was approximately 20 minutes. Everyone was found in good health.

Ardagh Bluffs is located between Ardagh Road and Mapleview Drive, covering a total area of 518 acres. 

Leon reminds people to be aware of their surroundings when they go for a walk on nature trails.

“It was a good day for the family, no one was hurt and all were in good spirits,” he said. “It was a busy day for police and we’re very happy we had the resources available to dispatch quickly and efficiently for this family.”