Arrest made in historical sexual assaults at Canada’s Wonderland

A 62 year old Quebec man has been charged with the sexual assault of two boys at Canada’s Wonderland in August 2002.

York Regional Police say an eight-year-old boy went to use a washroom near the waterpark. Once inside, a man took him into a stall and sexually assaulted him. Later that same day, a seven-year-old boy went to use a washroom near the exit of the park. The same man was inside the washroom. This boy was also taken into one of the stalls and sexually assaulted.

Investigators worked on the case at the time, but were unable to identify a suspect.

Cold Case Review

In September 2018, investigators with the Special Victims Unit – Cold Case Section, reviewed the case and identified a possible suspect. Officers with the Surete Du Quebec last month arrested the suspect at his residence in Saint-Pierre and returned him to York Region. He has been charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference and Invitation To Sexual Touching.

From York Regional Police

A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence. York Regional Police understands that while sexual assaults often cause long-lasting trauma, survivors may have difficulty speaking about incidents with friends, family members, or police officers. We want to bring sexual assault cases to a resolution by conducting professional and thorough investigations, while also providing assistance and the resources necessary to support victims during this period of recovery.

If you are the survivor of sexual assault

You can report the incident online if:

• You are not in immediate danger
• The person who assaulted you is not present
• There is no evidence present that may be collected by police (blood, semen, saliva, etc.). Evidence can be collected for up to 12 days after the sexual assault has occurred
• You have access to a private email address, to which the suspect does not have access

If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services or the Women’s Support Network .