OPP renegotiating municipal contracts

[Michael Jack]

The Towns of Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury may be congratulating themselves, on their decision to keep the South Simcoe municipal Police Service, and turn down the option of OPP Policing.

The OPP will be cancelling and renegotiating all of their municipal contracts at the end of 2014, to introduce a new funding model.

BWG-Innisfil Police Services Board Chair Sharon Villani noted that there is concern among the contract municipalities - not only over increased costs, but also the loss of autonomy. Until new contracts are signed, all Section 10 Police Services Boards will become Advisory Committees, unable to make decisions or vote at the Ontario Association of Police Service Boards meetings.

The situation was discussed at the recent OAPSB conference, held May 21-24 in Toronto.

The Nottawasaga Police Services Board is particularly concerned, Villani said, and has asked for extended powers. “That Board has made investments and bought equipment, above and beyond the contract requirements,” Villani said - suggesting that the Nottawasaga municipalities (New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa Township) might want to consider policing by South Simcoe Police.

http://www.bradfordtimes.ca/2014/05/29/ ... -contracts