BWG Reviews OPP policing proposal

By Meade Helman AWARE News Network February 14 2013

Council met to hear a proposal on policing from the OPP. There was an outstanding turnout from the community, the room was full of citizens. It appears that going with the OPP will provide some savings to the 2013 budget,  but the OPP proposal is based on their 2011 expenses and doesn’t include a pending 13.5% salary increase to the OPP promised by the provincial government.

No decision was made. The council was given the option to submit written questions that would be responded to at the next session on this issue.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: The OPP reps talked about a fund established by the province to provide for extra provincial funding. But we all know that the current budget crisis or a change of government could cause those expenses to be “downloaded” and the fund disappear. Also BWG appears to be experiencing an increase in crime due to exponential growth. One has to ask is this the time to reduce policing? Another aspect is the current agreement with Innisfil to share policing and faculties. What will it cost the town to get out of those contractual obligations and assets.