OPP double digit contract increase sparks interest in County-wide policing

Posted November 7, 2024

 

New Tecumseth's draft 2025 budget package includes a $1.46 million, or 23 per cent increase to the cost of Nottawasaga OPP Policing contract, raising it to $7,750,160.

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The local impact represents 2.88 per cent of the proposed 9.5 per cent tax. Municipalities across the province policed by OPP are reporting similar increases including in Simcoe County. Wasaga Beach, facing similar double digit hikes, has initiated a call for Ontario's Solicitor General to cap policing costs by five per cent, and "further that any increase above 5 per cent be absorbed by the province as the additional costs are directly the result of collective bargaining that was within the control of the OPP and should have been known to be financially unsustainable for the municipalities that now need to pay the bill."

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Additionally, Wasaga Beach is circulating a request that the County of Simcoe undertake a feasibility study for a County Police Force. It's expected to reach New Tecumseth's council agenda later this month.