Ontario Review Board
Re: Ryan P. Verkaik
ORB File No: 8800
Hearing held on: Friday, March 27, 2026
Place of hearing: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(2) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. G. Beasley
Members: Dr. R. Kunjukrishnan
Dr. G. Stones
Ms. M. den Haan
Mr. A. Bouvier
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Ryan P. Verkaik
Counsel: Ms. C. Shanahan
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Ms. L. Barney
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. B. Adsett
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated April 29, 2026)
Introduction
On June 3, 2025, Ryan Verkaik was found not criminally responsible on three counts of dangerous operation of a conveyance contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”).
Mr. Verkaik is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”) dated October 9, 2025, by which he was ordered to be detained at the Forensic Psychiatry Program of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Hamilton (“St. Joseph's” or “the Hospital”) with a number of prohibitions and privileges, including to live in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On February 27, 2026, the Hospital sent the Board a request for early hearing pursuant to section 672.81(2) of the Criminal Code.
On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Ontario Review Board convened an early hearing to consider both modification of the privileges accorded by Mr. Verkaik’s October 9, 2025 Disposition and removal of the prohibition on driving at paragraph 4(c) of the Disposition.
A Hospital Report dated March 16, 2026 (“the Hospital Report”) was entered into evidence as an exhibit.
Positions of the Parties
At the beginning of the hearing, the parties were canvassed for their initial positions.
The Hospital submitted that Mr. Verkaik still poses a significant threat to the safety of the public and a Detention Order remains the necessary and appropriate Disposition. Further privileges recommended by the Hospital are outlined at page 25 of the Hospital Report. In addition to the listed privileges, the Hospital also recommended at the hearing to add permission to travel for up to seven days internationally with an Approved Person with an itinerary approved in advance.
Counsel for the Attorney General supported the recommendations of the Hospital with the exception of the removal of the driving prohibition from the Disposition, since the February 2024 index offences were based on Mr. Verkaik’s actions while driving.
Counsel for Mr. Verkaik supported the recommendations of the Hospital.
At the conclusion of the evidence, the Board found that Mr. Verkaik met the test for significant threat to public safety and that a Detention Order with the terms proposed by the Hospital was appropriate, with the exception of granting permission for international travel.
Index Offences
- The index offences are taken from last year’s Reasons for Disposition as follows:
“Count 1 - Dangerous Operation CC-320.13(1)
The accused, Ryan VERKAIK, and the victim, Adam RAVENHILL, are not known to each other.
On February 22, 2024 at 9:58pm police received multiple calls regarding a white pickup truck driving erratically in the area of Westoak Trails Boulevard and Upper Middle Road West in the Town of Oakville. This white pickup truck was being driven by the accused. The Pickup truck was a 2019 Dodge Ram being operated without any license plates.
The accused and victim were traveling northbound on Dorval Drive when the accused made intentional contact with the rear of the victim’s vehicle at the intersection of Dorval Drive and Fairway Hills Boulevard. The victim was operating a 2021 blue Hyundai Santa Fe at the time of the collision, Ontario licence plate RAVNHL. The victim continued north on Dorval Drive to Upper Middle Road West, where he failed to stop at a red light. The accused was following the victim in his vehicle. The victim did not stop at the red light as he feared for his safety with the accused following him.
Once north of the intersection, on Westoak Trails Boulevard, the accused made intentional contact to the rear of the victim’s vehicle causing damage to the rear bumper and shattering the rear window. The accused then drove to the passenger side of the victim's vehicles and collided with him again, causing damage to the entire right side of the vehicle. The accused would intentionally collide with the victim’s vehicle a total of 8 times during the interaction, having no regard for the victims or public safety.
Fearing for his safety, the victim turned right onto Summit Ridge Drive in an attempt to evade the accused. The accused followed the victim until the roadway turned into a dead end. The victim left his vehicle and ran onto Upper Middle Road West to call police.
The accused then left the scene.
At 1:49am on February 23, 2024 the accused was arrested for Dangerous Operation.
The accused was read his rights to counsel and caution. The accused was incoherent and did not acknowledge anything.
The accused was transported back to 20 Division central lock up pending a bail hearing. Count 2 - Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)
The accused, Ryan VERKAIK, and the victim, Samantha HENRY, are not known to each.
On February 22, 2024 at 9:58pm Police received multiple calls regarding a white pickup truck driving erratically in the area of Westoak Trails Boulevard and Upper Middle Road West in the Town of Oakville. This white pickup truck was being driven by the accused. The Pickup truck was a 2019 Dodge Ram being operated without any licence plates.
The victim was driving westbound on Upper Middle Road near Dorval Drive and observed a white Dodge Ram driving extremely close behind her. The victim then changed lanes from 1 to 2 so that the accused can pass. The accused drove up beside the victim and intentionally collided to the driver side of her vehicle several times causing damage to the vehicle. The victim was operating a 2009 white Honda Civic at the time of the collision, Ontario licence plate BNRK762.
The accused continued to follow the victim on Upper Middle Road. The victim turned northbound on Third Line and lost sight of the accused. The victim told police that Ryan was smiling at her with his eyes wide open while driving beside her and striking her vehicle.
The victim was taken to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with reported chest pains. At 1:49am on February 23, 2024 the accused was arrested for Dangerous Operation.
The accused was read his rights to counsel and caution. The accused was incoherent and did not acknowledge anything.
The accused was transported back to 20 Division central lock up pending a bail hearing.
Count 3 - Dangerous Operations CC 320.13(1)
The accused, Ryan VERKAIK, and the victim, Mya CALNEK, are not known to each other.
On February 22, 2024 at 9:58pm Police received multiple calls regarding a white pickup truck driving erratically in the area of Westoak Trails Boulevard and Upper Middle Road West in the Town of Oakville. This white pickup truck was being driven by the accused. The Pickup truck was a 2019 Dodge Ram being operated without any license plates.
The victim was driving eastbound on the QEW exit ramp to Trafalgar Road when the accused intentionally collided with the passenger side of the victim's vehicle causing her to spin around. The victim was operating a 2021 blue Hyundai Santa Fe at the time of the collision, Ontario licence plate RAVNHL. The victim’s vehicle was facing westbound on the eastbound ramp when police arrived on scene. The accused then attempted to take off from the scene of the accident by driving on the grass. The accused vehicle was heavily damaged and got stuck in the ditch. The accused then exited his vehicle and ran on to the QEW ramp and began flagging down other vehicles.
The accused then sat into the rear seat of the witness, Elizabeth HENRY’s, vehicle and told her to take off from the scene. Elizabeth got out of her car and took the keys with her. The accused then exited Elizabeth's vehicle and continued to flag down other drivers. The accused also attempted to get into an unmarked police cruiser that arrived on the scene. The accused was identified as the driver of the white Dodge Ram and arrested on scene for Fail to Remain as the accused was involved in two collisions in Oakville prior to this one.
At 1:49am on February 23, 2024 the accused was arrested for Dangerous Operation.
The accused was read his rights to counsel and caution. The accused was incoherent and did not acknowledge anything.
The accused was transported back to 20 Division central lock up pending a bail hearing.”
Other charges under the Highway Traffic Act for driving while his licence was under suspension, driving a motor vehicle without plates and failure to remain, were withdrawn as was a Criminal Code offence of impaired operation of a motor vehicle."
Background
Mr. Verkaik’s personal, developmental, and psychiatric background are detailed in the Hospital Report in evidence and need not be repeated in detail. The following items are of note.
Mr. Verkaik is currently living in the community with his mother and one of his sisters in his mother’s home in Oakville. He is 42 years old and unmarried. He shares custody of his nine-year-old daughter equally with his former partner, who lives in Stoney Creek. Mr. Verkaik does not currently have a driver’s license due to his driving history, and his current Disposition also contains a prohibition on driving. As a result, Mr. Verkaik relies on his mother to assist him with transportation of his daughter and to otherwise exercise his time as a custodial parent.
In 2007, Mr. Verkaik started a roofing company and continues to operate the business. His ability to do so, however, is negatively affected by the lack of license and prohibition on driving. He currently pays an employee to drive him to provide quotes to potential customers and to go to jobs.
Mr. Verkaik does not have a criminal record but has a lengthy list of Highway Traffic Act offences. The February 23, 2024 record from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario was filed as an Exhibit at the hearing. Last year’s Reasons note that Dr. Chaimowitz “admitted being taken aback” when he saw the extent of Mr. Verkaik’s Highway Traffic Act offences which include 55 to 60 offences in the 16-year period between April 2005 and December 2021.
Mr. Verkaik was first hospitalized in April 2021 and discharged with a probable diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a prescription for Epival and olanzapine. He discontinued taking medication at some point.
Following the index offences, Mr. Verkaik was brought to hospital on February 25, 2024, from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex due to symptoms of mania. He remained in hospital for approximately one week before his discharge with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, Type 1. He was prescribed Abilify to manage his illness.
On August 23 and November 1, 2024, Mr. Verkaik was referred to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Outpatient Clinic for follow-up. The care team recommended cognitive behavioural therapy, but Mr. Verkaik did not respond to scheduling calls.
During Dr. Chaimowitz’s initial assessment of Mr. Verkaik in April 2025, Mr. Verkaik advised that he had been smoking a joint of cannabis nightly since he was 18 and that it helped him calm down. He started drinking alcohol when he was about 11 years old but denied using it in a problematic way. He had experimented with cocaine, psilocybin, and Percocet in the past but had not used cocaine or psylocibin since age 23.
Dr Chaimowitz noted in his August 22, 2025 assessment report that Mr. Verkaik reported seeing his community psychiatrist Dr. Kozak since February 2025. Mr. Verkaik also reported that he had been adherent to his prescribed Abilify medication, had not used cannabis since mid 2024, and he denied any cravings.
Evidence at the Hearing
Doctor Prat testified on behalf of the Hospital as Mr. Verkaik's most responsible physician beginning in October of 2025. He adopted the contents of the Hospital Report.
Dr. Prat testified that:
there have been no management issues with Mr. Verkaik, and he has attended all appointments as required. He has not experienced any symptoms of his major mental illness;
the treatment team learned that Mr. Verkaik had been non-adherent with his oral medication up until October 2025 despite his assertion to Dr. Chaimowitz in August 2025 that he had been taking it;
Mr. Verkaik is capable of consent to treatment, and he agreed to the treatment team’s recommendation to change to long-acting injectable (“LAI”) medication rather than oral medication. He currently receives his injection at the forensic outpatient service clinic. Mr. Verkaik has been compliant with all requirements to monitor levels of medication;
occasionally the medication is not detected in Mr. Verkaik’s urine despite the LAI. This may be due to Mr. Verkaik's physical activity, supplements that he takes, and use of the gym, which can impact his kidney function leading to the medication not being detected in his urine. Dr. Prat is satisfied that Mr. Verkaik has been taking the medication as prescribed since early November of 2025, and Mr. Verkaik has agreed to continue taking the medication;
all of Mr. Verkaik's urine drug screens have been negative for substances including cannabis;
in his opinion, Mr. Verkaik’s historical Highway Traffic Act offences were a result of impulsivity and a lack of maturity, rather than of manic or psychotic symptoms which lead to risk of public safety. This background impulsive style is improving, and it is apparent that Mr. Verkaik values a stable lifestyle and is committed to his daughter. He has paid the considerable outstanding fines owing due to these offences.
In response to questions from counsel for the Attorney General, Dr. Prat testified that the index offences resulted from Mr. Verkaik’s bipolar illness, exacerbated by cannabis use. Mr. Verkaik originally attributed the offences exclusively to cannabis use, but his understanding is changing. Mr. Verkaik’s appreciation of the cyclic and unpredictable nature of bipolar illness is improving. He has had only two manic episodes (in April 2021 and at the time of the index offences). When Mr. Verkaik discontinued taking his medication prior to the index offences, he did not notice any difference. This reinforced his mistaken belief that the manic symptoms were externally caused rather than symptoms of his mental disorder.
Mr. Verkaik is committed to lifestyle changes including refraining from use of cannabis. He is not currently seeking any romantic relationships and is less committed to his immediate needs than in the past. His focus is on his health, long term stability, and on his daughter. A Detention Order remains necessary in case quick readmission is required in case of decompensation, but Mr. Verkaik has handled stressors well over the last few months without recurrence of symptoms of his illness.
In response to questions from Mr. Verkaik’s counsel, Dr. Prat noted that Mr. Verkaik can now identify agitation and limited sleep as warning signs of his illness. In the past, these symptoms led him to use cannabis to calm down. Mr. Verkaik states that he accepts his diagnosis, but more time is required to ensure that this is a genuine answer. He is an agreeable person, and in Dr. Prat’s opinion, does not want to disappoint the treatment team and may be telling them what he thinks they want to hear. It is possible that Mr. Verkaik is currently doing what he needs to do in order to move forward through the forensic system rather than to address his health. The treatment team requires time to ensure his acceptance of the diagnosis is “embedded.”
In response to questions from members of the panel, Dr. Prat stated that he has not yet explored Mr. Verkaik’s thought processes at the time of the index offences. No personality inventory has been completed, but no antisocial or oppositional characteristics have been identified. In Dr. Prat’s opinion, Mr. Verkaik’s disrespect for rules demonstrated by his driving offence record was more a result of immaturity, impulsivity, and desire for immediate gratification than of antisociality.
In the past, Mr. Verkaik did not see his driving behaviours as particularly concerning or that they might put others at risk. This changed with his involvement in the forensic system and of particular note, he has realized the significant negative impact of the index offences on his ability to care for his daughter. In Dr. Prat’s opinion, being able to care well for her is an important motivator for Mr. Verkaik to follow rules in the future.
Dr. Prat agreed that it is possible that the driving record was a result of a delayed diagnosis of mental disorder, but there was insufficient evidence to make the determination.
In Dr. Prat’s professional opinion, Mr. Verkaik’s recent purchases of large amounts of gold as described at page 21 of the Hospital Report do not appear to be a manifestation of delusional or manic symptoms. Mr. Verkaik sees the purchase of gold from the proceeds of selling his home as a safe investment strategy and was open to sharing his logic with the treatment team.
Final Submissions of the Parties
- The parties maintained their initial positions in final submissions. Counsel for Mr. Verkaik noted that it was the Hospital, and not Mr. Verkaik, that requested the early hearing to discuss removal of the driving prohibition to further Mr. Verkaik’s rehabilitation.
Analysis and Conclusion
- The parties agreed that Mr. Verkaik represents a significant threat to the safety of the public. The panel is unanimous in its independent conclusion based on the evidence presented at the hearing that Mr. Verkaik represents a significant threat to the safety of the public. The Board agrees with the expert opinions of Dr. Chaimowitz in his assessment and that of Dr. Prat that the risk to the public would result from Mr. Verkaik’s operation of a vehicle while in a manic state.
Travel permissions and other conditions
The panel agrees that the conditions recommended by the Hospital at page 24 of the Hospital Report and outlined in our formal Disposition are necessary and appropriate and will assist the Hospital in more clearly managing the parameters of the permissions.
While Mr. Verkaik has no current specific plans for travel, in the past he has enjoyed winter Caribbean vacations. Mr. Verkaik’s work with this treatment team is in its early stages and Mr. Verkaik is early in his resolve to abstain from use of cannabis. In the past, Mr. Verkaik’s cannabis dependence has led to significant cognitive, emotional, and behavioural instability. Due to the cyclical nature of Mr. Verkaik’s illness, adherence to medication does not preclude a re-occurrence. If he were to begin to experience symptoms of his illness and attempt to self-medicate with cannabis while out of the country, there would be significant risk to the public. More time is required to assess Mr. Verkaik’s stability in the community before granting permission to travel internationally for vacations.
Driving Prohibition
As noted in last year’s Reasons, Mr. Verkaik’s Highway Traffic Act offence history is “gasp-worthy.” The majority of his offences are for driving without a license, driving while suspended, and mechanical issues with his vehicle. There are also speeding tickets and two substance-related infractions (available cannabis and open liquor).
Despite this record and the circumstances of the index offences, in his assessment and in last year’s testimony, Dr. Chaimowitz was not in favour of a driving restriction in Mr. Verkaik’s Disposition:
“Given the balance associated with any risk attached to driving, Mr. Verkaik’s illness and the significant strengths that would come from being able to work effectively, transport his daughter and get around, it is my position that should Mr. Verkaik continue with his medications and maintain regular follow up, he should be able to then apply to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for his driving restriction to be withdrawn. Being able to drive will be a strong positive factor in his life. ...Driving is obviously an issue in the event that he becomes psychotic and he in that way, in my opinion, would pose a significant threat to the safety of the public.”
Dr. Prat’s evidence this year was also clear that Mr. Verkaik’s daughter and his ability to work and to provide for her are strong positive motivators. The prohibition from driving in the Disposition presents a barrier to Mr. Verkaik's ability both to work effectively and to care for his daughter and therefore hinders his reintegration into society.
Despite the extreme inconvenience of a driving prohibition in Mr. Verkaik’s circumstances, there is no evidence that he has driven a motor vehicle in contravention of the terms of his bail conditions or his Disposition since his arrest. As Dr. Prat noted, even if the Board were to remove the prohibition on driving from Mr. Verkaik's Disposition, Mr. Verkaik still needs to apply to the Ministry of Transport to have his license returned. It is the Ministry’s decision whether this will occur or not. Dr. Prat will be required to provide a medical opinion and will be actively involved with the Ministry of Transport discussion about whether the license should be returned. We note Dr. Prat’s recognition that if Mr. Verkaik were to become unwell and manic to the same extent as at the time of the index offences, not having a license wouldn't change his behaviour, and based on his history, even if he did not have a license he would still drive. If Mr. Verkaik became acutely unwell or resumed using substances, Dr. Prat would be obligated to report to the Ministry.
The panel is mindful that the Disposition imposed, including the conditions, must be necessary and appropriate pursuant to s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code. The evidence of Dr. Chaimowitz last year and that of Dr. Prat this year is that Mr. Verkaik’s risk is “driving while manic.”
The evidence before us is that Mr. Verkaik’s ability to recognize symptoms of his illness has improved since the index offences. Mr. Verkaik was previously untruthful with the treatment team when he told them that he had been taking his oral medication prior to October 2025. While bipolar disorder is cyclical and can re-occur even while a patient is adherent to medication, Mr. Verkaik has agreed to use of an LAI medication which is administered by the Hospital. This also serves as a risk mitigator. Mr. Verkaik’s family is supportive, involved, and aware of his illness. One of his sisters is a nurse, and his mother is a retired nurse.
On the evidence, it is apparent that Mr. Verkaik’s mental state and stability are the primary risk factors, and it is these risk factors that could lead Mr. Verkaik to drive while in a manic state. Dr. Prat was clear that in his professional opinion, the risk to public safety can be managed without a driving prohibition in the Disposition.
The panel carefully weighed the evidence on this point and concluded that a driving prohibition is not necessary and appropriate when taking into account public safety interests. Based on the evidence, it is necessary to remove the condition to facilitate Mr. Verkaik’s reintegration into society.
DATED this 29^th^ day of April 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.
Ms. M. den Haan
Legal Member
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Office of the Registrar
Ontario Review Board