Prince Edward County is calling on the province to help shoulder the rising costs for police in rural communities.
During Tuesday’s meeting of council, councillor Bill Roberts put forward a motion to request the province help cover the rising costs of policing, specifically where costs have increased to comply with provincial laws. He also wants the province to sit down with communities and reassess police grant programs to ensure municipalities receive fair and sustainable support.
Councillor Roberts said that similar requests have gained steam elsewhere in the country.
“Saskatchewan has said that they will consult with cash strapped cities and municipalities seeking more options to pay for services,” said councillor Roberts. “That comes about because a number of Saskatchewan municipalities got together with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association after they were looking at 11% increases.”
The motion was passed, and copies of the resolution were sent to Premier Doug Ford, along with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Ontario
Association of Police Services Boards, and all Ontario municipalities for endorsement.
