Community On Watch Station FAQ
June 23 Update: Don Head, Commissioner of Corrections, has requested a meeting with representatives of the Save Our Prison Farms campaign, which will take place on July 9. Ross Toller has promised they will not attempt to move livestock out of the Frontenac Institution before that meeting.
In good faith, we've decided to temporarily stand down the Community On Watch Station on Bath Road so that volunteers can put their energy into other campaign activities in the coming weeks. (So don't be alarmed when you don't see the trailer on Bath Road.)
However, we remain ready for action, and the phone tree will still be activated if necessary. Neighbours and supporters will continue to be on watch. You can still call us to report suspicious activity: 613.888.0293. Keep watch for cattle rustlers!
This progress is because of your commitment and hard work. We will keep the pressure on; more actions are coming soon.
What is the purpose of the Community On Watch Station?
The purpose of COWS is to observe the Frontenac Institution prison farm to make sure they don’t try to sneak the cows out. If they do try to move the herd, people at COWS and in the neighbourhood will see. They will alert the campaign, and we will immediately mobilize several hundred people to block any cattle trucks.
In order to maintain watchfulness at all hours, there will be five rotating shifts throughout the day. We need volunteers to staff COWS for those shifts.
What would I do if I volunteered?
The COWS trailer is located near the front entrance of Frontenac institution, so your job would be to watch for cattle trucks at that entrance, as well as observing the rear entrance and barns (with binoculars) regularly. People from the neighbourhood or campaign may drop by and visit as well.
We have permission to place the COWS trailer where it is. Staffing the COWS trailer is not illegal nor is it an act of civil disobedience. It is a non-confrontational site strictly for observation that will also be a visible symbol of the campaign. We don’t anticipate any trouble with police, nor a risk of arrest.
Is it going to be a chore?
No, it’s going to be fun! It’s a chance to mix up your routine and do something and interesting unusual, at the same time as you stand up for your community. We’ve put a small library, a music player, and other entertainment in the trailer. If you want to get some time to do some quiet reading or contemplation, great. If you want to work on your knitting, perfect. If you want to have a couple of friends over and play a board game during your shift, perfect! Or make it a date! You can do whatever you like as long as it a) doesn’t distract you from keeping an eye on the farm, b) doesn’t make too much noise, and c) doesn’t involve alcohol or drugs.
Fortunately, we have a large number of people who have volunteered to help with the campaign. So right now we are only asking for a commitment of one shift. Remember, they plan to try to move the herd in the next couple of weeks.
If everyone on our emergency mobilization list took only one shift, we could operate for months without repeating anyone. If everyone on our mailing list took only one shift we could operate for years. So if we get a small commitment from everyone involved, it will only be a small task for everyone.
If you would prefer to be paired up, let us know and we will try to match you with someone else.
When are the shifts?
There are five shifts in a day:
Morning: 8 am to 12 pm (4 hours)
Afternoon: 12 pm to 4 pm (4 hours)
Early evening: 4 pm to 7 pm (3 hours)
Late evening: 7 pm to 10 pm (3 hours)
Night: 10 pm to 8 am (10 hours)
The evening shift is split into two parts so that people who work regular day-time business hours can choose one or the other.
The tough one will definitely be the night shift, and we recognize that. We suggest that couples or pairs of friends could take on this job—that way you can check alternately and get some sleep in between checks.
It’s not easy, but it needs to be done, and anyone willing to take on a night shift is a hero in our books.
We can adjust these times if they almost work for you. Give us a call and let us know.
I can’t take a shift. Can I still help?
We know that not everyone can take on this job because of children, work, scheduling, health, and the like. But if you still want to help the COWS, there are many ways. If you want to drop off snacks or food for people on their shift, we would be very appreciative. We will also accept donations of money or supplies for the campaign; there will be a list of items we could use on the website. We will be happy to return loaned equipment afterward.
Sign me up!
Great! You can check our list of available shifts. Please give us a call to pick out a shift, or if you have questions or concerns.
When you call we will give you more detailed information; there will also be an information packet for you at the site.
Thank you!