Residents of Pembroke, Ontario, may notice a new symbol in select parking spaces outside the Pembroke Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) station on International Drive. Marked with a handshake icon, these spaces serve as community safety zones for in-person exchanges of items bought or sold online. The goal is simple: provide a well-lit, monitored public place where buyers and sellers can meet safely.

As online marketplaces grow, these zones reduce risks linked to meeting strangers in private locations. The initiative, Project Safe Trade, was launched by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP to encourage public transactions instead of private ones. The safety zones at local OPP detachments are accessible 24 hours a day without scheduling.

By offering a neutral, visible location, the program makes online buying and selling safer and more convenient for residents. Officials note the zones are especially useful during the holiday season when online sales increase. Police stress that while they won’t mediate exchanges, they remain nearby and can respond if situations escalate. The proximity of law enforcement provides added reassurance for participants.

To improve safety, residents are advised to meet in well-lit areas, bring a friend or family member, and schedule exchanges during the day. Keeping records of conversations and agreements until completion is also recommended. Together, these habits and the new safety zones help create a secure environment, allowing residents to buy and sell with confidence.