The OPP helped two teens who attended a Smart Cycling Education Program open a new bike repair shop in Meaford.
Lucas Van Horn and Tyler White have opened The TLC Bicycle Shop at Victoria Village thanks to some key community partnerships.
Grey Bruce OPP Community Services Officer Constable Krista Linthorne explained how it all began.
"So in June of 2021, during a Ride Smart Program at Victoria Village, these two youth, Lucas and Tyler, shared their interest in working on their own bikes," said Linthorne. "So there was a few meetings arranged and then in the spring of 2022, more partnerships became with the great County Housing who offered office space for these youth."
The OPP helped ensure the boys got the tools and manuals they needed, and the space allowed the pair to begin plans for a youth-run bike shop just for residents.
"These youth, they've actually been doing it for free on their own time," she pointed out. "And as of this summer, Grey County Housing and the Municipality of Meaford will be financially supporting the youth for the summer."
OPP were able to provide tools and manuals. The Rotary Club of Meaford and the Municipality of Meaford have provided essential funds to outfit the bike shop. Grey County Housing also provided $2600 in funding to staff the shop for the summer months.
"So they'll repair bikes of the residents of the village and they are getting mentorship from a bike shop in Meaford called Hills Bike shop," she added. "So that's great and these youth and adults of the village can then get the bikes repaired."
The grand opening of the TLC Bicycle Shop is scheduled for May 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at 80 Victoria Street in Meaford. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the milestone.
“The OPP is grateful for our community partners who came together to establish the TLC Bicycle Shop," said Adam Belanger, Grey Bruce OPP. "We look forward to the positive impact it will have on youth empowerment and cycling safety in Meaford.”
"This shop not only provides a valuable service to residents but also fosters a great sense of entrepreneurship,” said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. “Grey County is proud to support this fantastic project."