Grace Tipling Hall erupted in cheers on Wednesday evening (July 10), as Shelburne council unanimously voted to keep Shelburne Police Service (SPS).
Initially, council decided to explore OPP as an option after learning the current police station was in need of upgrades to meet provincial standards.
Council was given the option of making the necessary renovations, finding a new location or building a brand new headquarters. Those options have ranged between $3-million and $7-million.
Almost six months ago, OPP proposed a contract with an annual budget of $2.68-million during the three-year transitional contract. The first year expense would have also included about $400,000 in one-time startup costs. However, no renovations to the existing facility or a new facility all together would’ve been required, as OPP officers would work out of the Dufferin detachment in Primrose.
Since receiving the proposal, council has study dozens of documents and even hired a third-party consultant to review and compare OPP and SPS. That consultant recommended switching to OPP.
Following its decision, council passed a second motion requesting the police services board complete a service delivery review of SPS, and that the review consider expanding technology use along with other innovations to minimize physical building space requirements.
Council Reaction
Mayor Wade Mills began the night by saying he’s glad the arduous process is over but believes it was something that had to be tackled head-on.
Councillor Lindsay Wagner says being in a position of influence over Shelburne’s policing future, was challenging, as it demanded putting aside bias and emotion as a community member and local business owner.
Despite costly projects coming down the pipe, including refurbishing the town’s sewage treatment plant and well, deputy mayor Steve Anderson says he’s glad council decided to focus on the essence of a community.
Councillor Walter Benotto echoed Anderson’s sentiments and believes community trust in its police officers cannot be monetized.
Councillor Kyle Fegan says he wasn’t convinced OPP could provide the same level of service at the base level, and believed Shelburne would have to pay for OPP enhancements to bring service up to SPS standard, but he noted, those price tags were not clear.
Councillor Lynda Buffett also didn’t buy the consultant’s assessment and believes there is no way to ensure OPP is a cheaper option, after an annual budget of $2.68 million during the three-year transitional contract.
Stay tuned to 101.5 myFM and visit orangevilletoday.ca for further coverage on Shelburne’s policing file.
