Future of policing or the future of Amherstburg

We have an out of control habit in Amherstburg of making rash decisions without thinking about the future consequences. 

Policing was one between 2016 to 2018. Relocating just the fire hall instead of the town hall complex, selling parkland for a school and building a recreational centre that will need to be replaced, before the town grows to meet the capacity of the design. We had a swimming pool, once upon a time. 

For policing, the only saving grace is we still own the police building. However, we own nothing else. Do we have millions (I estimate $10-15 million) to re-establish a police force? Or are we better off with an OPP contract?  

Those of us that follow the municipal spending and long-term financials, we realize the Town of Amherstburg relies heavily on consultants for valuable input for our municipal needs. 

Imagine my surprise, when after the town residents were assured public consultation would take place within the decision making process, no funds were allotted or budgeted  for consultant consultations to examine our policing needs for the 2026 budget year. 

The current contract expires in 2028. I am not aware of any policing experts being employed within our administration staff establishment.

 Now, I am not in favour of re-establishing a home-grown police force. 

My approach would be a OPP contract as a short-term solution, five to ten years. 

Once amalgamation takes place, and it will, the new council will decide the fate of policing, fire services and other staffing levels.  

The savings will be incredible “as always on paper only.”

However, in all fairness, those that truly believe in the re-establishment of the Amherstburg Police Services should have an opportunity to speak. In an e-mail, to council, I  have asked our elected officials to include a recommendation as such, on policing for the  an upcoming meeting agenda.  

—Gary Bowerman

Amherstburg

Future of policing or the future of Amherstburg