Man charged with voyeurism at Winnipeg fitness facility

A 26-year-old man has been charged with voyeurism after he allegedly snapped photos of a child undressing in a change room at a Winnipeg fitness facility.

Officers were called to Pan Am Pool on Sunday at 4:53 p.m.

Police said a 10-year-old girl was in a private stall in the universal change room area, and an adult male was in the stall next to her. The man allegedly used a cell phone to take photos of the child “in various states of undress.”

“Luckily, the [child’s] father was in the room and observed this happening. He notified the staff who, in turn, notified police,” Const. Stephen Spencer told CTV News Winnipeg. “Police responded quite quickly and were able to get there while the suspect was still on scene and make an arrest.”

Const. Spencer said the girl’s father did the right thing by speaking up. He adds it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and on the lookout for suspicious behaviour when visiting facilities like pools.

“It’s a good reminder for parents to keep an eye on their kids when they’re in a facility with a multi-purpose change room where they don’t have that exact privacy to watch their kids the entire time.”

Const. Spencer said around 15 incidents of voyeurism are reported to the Winnipeg Police Service each year, though he notes these types of charges are often grouped with other sexual offences.

In an email, a City of Winnipeg spokesperson told CTV News any concerns of patron safety in city-run facilities are taken seriously. The spokesperson notes recreation employees undergo training with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection – which includes how to respond to reports of odd or unusual behaviour, and how to conduct facility walkthroughs.

“We encourage the public to report any concerning behaviours to any employee at our facilities to assist us in providing a safe environment,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added the use of cell phones and other devices is prohibited in city-operated facility washrooms, change rooms and locker rooms.

“Violation of this policy can result in banning of patrons,” they warned.

Colin Gauthier, a 26-year-old Winnipeg man, has been charged with voyeurism. The charge has not been proven in court.

Gauthier was released on a court order prohibiting contact with people under 16.