Durham Regional Police have asked the Toronto police marine unit to help search Whitby harbour in connection to the disappearance of Jeffrey Boucher, a high-school teacher missing since Jan. 13.

Toronto police Const. Wendy Drummond told CBC News that Durham police want Toronto officers to use a side-scan sonar device to help with the search. Drummond said the scanner, which Durham police do not have, is a relatively new technology that can help with underwater searches.

"It allows the officers to isolate an area or locate an area of interest and be a little bit more specific as to knowing if there is something there," said Drummond. "It saves them going through an entire body of water."

Police have not said what information prompted them to search that section of Lake Ontario.

Drummond said Toronto officers were prepared to assist with the search on Friday, but the search was called off due to high winds and frigid temperatures. Police plan to resume the search next week.

"We'll definitely return at the request of Durham police if need be," said Drummond.

Boucher, a 52-year-old married father of two, has not been seen since Jan. 13 when it's believed the Bowmanville High School teacher left his house for his daily morning run.

Police called off the ground search on Jan. 16 after an extensive search of wooded areas near the Boucher home.

Police admitted they were "stumped" in their search for Boucher and had few solid leads about his whereabouts. Boucher did not have his wallet or passport when he left and police have said there's been no activity on his bank or email accounts.