If you’ve recently spotted a handshake symbol painted on a parking space outside the Pembroke Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) station, you might have wondered what it’s there for. It isn’t decoration, and it isn’t a new accessibility marking. That simple handshake icon actually signals something designed to protect the community: a designated safe meeting spot where people can exchange items they’ve bought or sold online. In a time when online marketplaces are busier than ever, this small symbol can make a big difference by helping residents meet up in a place that feels more secure and visible.
The parking spaces are part of a local initiative called Project Safe Trade, introduced by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP. The goal is to encourage people to complete online buying-and-selling transactions in a public location instead of meeting at private homes, quiet side streets, or unfamiliar areas. These spaces are located at OPP detachments, making them a practical option for anyone arranging pickups or drop-offs for marketplace items. It’s a simple idea: a well-lit, monitored location that supports safer, more comfortable exchanges for both buyers and sellers.
Police say Project Safe Trade is especially helpful during busy seasons, when online sales often increase and meetups become more frequent. While the OPP will not be actively supervising every exchange or stepping in to mediate disagreements, officers are nearby and can respond quickly if a situation becomes unsafe or crosses into illegal activity. The program is meant to reduce common risks connected to online transactions, such as disputes over payment, misrepresented items, or meeting conditions that don’t feel safe once someone arrives.
To stay even safer during online exchanges, residents are encouraged to take basic precautions like meeting in well-lit public areas, bringing someone along, and choosing daytime hours when possible. Keeping screenshots of messages and agreements until the transaction is finished can also help prevent confusion later. Combined with the handshake-marked safety zones, these steps give people more confidence and peace of mind when buying or selling online—making a simple parking space part of a smarter, safer way to trade.