Formation of the new Sleeping Giant Patrol left 'no need' for Bear Clan Patrol.

THUNDER BAY — The Bear Clan Patrol will not return to the streets of Thunder Bay anytime soon.

Winnipeg-based Bear Clan Patrol Inc. has cancelled plans to reestablish a chapter in the city.

In February, executive-director James Favel announced that BCP was cutting ties with the Thunder Bay group that had operated under its name, saying it was causing divisions in the community and no longer met the organization's mission and values.

Just two months ago, Favel said he hoped to have a replacement group in place by April.

That never happened.

Instead, two Thunder Bay residents who had travelled to Winnipeg to familiarize themselves with BCP operations decided to start what they call the Sleeping Giant Patrol, using the BCP model.

Favel told Tbnewswatch on Tuesday that Thunder Bay now has "a group that seems to be working. As long as it's going, then there is no need for us."

He said the Sleeping Giant Patrol wanted to go in a different direction. "More power to them. We're not trying to be paternalistic...as long as the community is being serviced, that's good enough for me."

SGP spokesperson Mel Legarde has said the group plans to make a presentation about its purpose and operations to city council.

The group is holding a volunteer information night and conducting a mock patrol the evening of May 10 at the Kam River Heritage Park.