Skip to content

Bella Coola welcomes new RCMP Constable

The Bella Coola RCMP detachment has a new member, Constable Mark Van Wieringen.
58182bellacoolaNewConstableWEB
Constable Mark Van Wieringen on duty in Bella Coola.

The Bella Coola RCMP detachment has a new member, Constable Mark Van Wieringen. Originally from Lindsay, Ontario, Cst. Van Wieringen spent the last four years in Mackenzie, B.C.

“My first posting was Mackenzie, and we had a great time there,” said Van Wieringen. “But when it was time to move, Bella Coola was our first choice.” Having visited the Valley several years ago with his family, they fell in love with the place.

“We absolutely loved it here,” said Van Wieringen. “My family and I spent a week camping and enjoyed every minute.” With hobbies like fishing and outdoor sports, the Valley seemed to be the perfect fit.

Although Van Wieringen is tasked to general duty, he says one of his main passions on the job is stopping impaired drivers. Last year, he was awarded a certificate from the family of four year-old Alexa Middelear, who was killed by a drunk driver in Delta in 2010.

“If you stop 13 or more impaired drivers a year, you are awarded with the certificate from Alexa’s family,” said Van Wieringen. “For me personally, stopping impaired drivers is a very important part of my duties.”

Constable Van Wieringen will be in Bella Coola for at least two years, and he encourages the community to stop and introduce themselves. “It’s a pleasure to be here,” he says. “I am really looking forward to working in this community.”