Shelburne Council accepts OPP policing contract

Media Release – July 16, 2020

Town of Shelburne Council accepts contract policing proposal from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

Council requested a second contract policing proposal from the OPP on January 20, 2020.   Council was advised in December 2019 there were impacts to the future operating and staffing costs of Service to the Shelburne Police Services due to the  disbandment of the Orangeville Police in October 2020. These new costs were in addition to the estimated 20 year annual debt payments of about $200,000 to borrow about $3 million to renovate the police building.

In January 2020, Council recognized that the long term sustainability and affordability of a small police force required further review and requested a second OPP proposal. The Shelburne Police Service was facing a range of significant operational and capital implications, including escalating annual costs.

The OPP presented their proposal on June 22, 2020.  This proposal is estimated to provide significant savings of over $5 million over 10 years to the Town. The OPP is committed to providing continued service excellence to our community, including strong community partnerships.

On July 15, 2020 Council approved that the Town of Shelburne advise the Ontario Provincial Police that their contract policing proposal dated June 22, 2020 to provide policing services to the Town of Shelburne is accepted.

Mayor Wade Mills stated that the contributions of the Shelburne Police Services and our officers and staff is recognized and appreciated. Their dedication to serving our community for decades is a reflection of their commitment.

The Mayor said that in accepting the costing proposal of the OPP, Council has made a very difficult yet strategic long term financial decision regarding the future delivery of our policing service for our Town.  The anticipated transition date to the OPP is February 2021.  The Mayor, Council and our Town staff look forward to having many of dedicated SPS officers and staff continue to serve our community as future staff of the OPP.  

Contacts:

Mayor Wade Mills                                                    Denyse Morrissey, CAO

wmills@shelburne.ca                                              dmorrissey@shelburne.ca