February 9, 2011
Towns to discuss
policing?
by Vance Gutzman
The town of Deep River
would like to open up talks with its municipal neighbour regarding the
possibility of shared policing services.
"This is an ideal time to consider all our options," Mayor David
Thompson told council last week, noting that Laurentian Hills is
currently looking at a new five-year contract with the Ontario
Provincial Police.
Thompson noted that he, and other members of council, campaigned in
last fall's election on a platform of sharing services with Laurentian
Hills.
"The provision of police services is one such area," Thompson said,
noting that he was seeking council's approval to initiate discussions
with Laurentian Hills on a number of options, ranging from both
municipalities using the OPP or both using Deep River's police service.
Council gave its approval to Thompson's request, and he will now
formally approach Laurentian Hills to see if that municipality would be
interested in some form of sharing police services.
"If not, then nothing ventured, nothing gained," Thompson said.
"But we need to find ways to work together and share services."
In 2010, Deep River's police service cost the town $1,313,651, after
all other sources of revenue (ie, provincial funding) had been removed.
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