KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes operates day and overnight programs for kids during July and August, striving to provide a top-notch experience both on and off the ice, as stated on its website.
However, a key instructor at the camp this summer was Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer who recently admitted to assaulting children. Gibbs pleaded guilty to two counts of child assault in April, although specific details are restricted due to a court order.
Despite being described as an active coach and mentor on the camp’s website, Gibbs voluntarily resigned following inquiries by CBC News, as indicated in an email sent to parents the day after the news outlet contacted both Gibbs and the camp.
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The camp’s management informed parents that they had backed Gibbs during a personal legal issue over the past year but did not disclose whether they were aware of his guilty pleas or the reasons for retaining him despite them.
Notably, there is currently no Ontario law mandating summer camps to screen their staff working with kids, meaning criminal record checks or in-depth vulnerable sector checks are not compulsory.
After the news broke, Premier Doug Ford’s office announced plans to enforce mandatory criminal background checks for summer camps, labeling the hiring of known criminals at children’s camps as unacceptable.
Bradley Gibbs (pictured far left) in an undated photo posted on the KL Hockey website ‘About Us’ section. Gibbs posted the same image on his personal Facebook page in October 2022. (KL Hockey)
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA), with over 400 accredited members, mandates staff vetting through criminal record checks. However, membership in the OCA is voluntary, allowing camps like KL Hockey to operate without adhering to specific vetting standards.
Amanda Tayles, the camp’s director, mentioned that Gibbs has taken responsibility for his actions publicly and emphasized the camp’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
Despite attempts to reach Gibbs for comment, he did not respond before the deadline, and his court sentencing is scheduled for September.
Currently employed in an administrative role at Durham Regional Police Services,