The Municipality of Callander is urging residents to “call 911 for the proper reasons,” as the municipality “will be billed according to call-for-services” as per their new arrangement with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Informing the public on the issue was a hot topic during Callander’s December 21 council meeting. Councillor Jordy Carr mentioned council should “educate our residents” on alternate ways to reach the police and “get that message out.”
And so they are, with postings on the municipal website and on their Facebook page. Including the information “in our newsletter,” which is delivered to “all residents” is also on the agenda, explained councillor Linda Alkins.
See: New year, new police service as Callander welcomes OPP
For information about municipal services and non-emergency police matters, residents can call 705-752-1410, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Callers can leave a message and will receive a response within 24 hours.
This is the line to the municipal office, and residents can call this number for noise and property complaints, building without permits complaints, planning issues, animal complaints and parking complaints, as well as concerns about garbage collection and road and sewer maintenance.
For non-emergency policing matters, such as damage to property under $5,000, speed and driving complaints, disputes with neighbours and other civil matters, residents can call the OPP at 705-495-3878. The line is always open.
When people or property are at risk, a fire breaks out, or an ambulance is required, residents are urged to call 911 immediately.
“Calling 911 for non-emergency situations could cause a delay in someone else getting life-saving help,” the municipality reminds residents, “and will also result in unnecessary added charges to the policing services costs.”
See: Most ridiculous 911 calls of 2021
And if one accidently calls 911, the municipality reminds residents to stay on the line to explain to dispatch it was an unintentional call. When a 911 caller does not respond, “that could be a sign of trouble” and first responders will be sent.
“I don’t think the public realize the severity of making a 911 call,” councillor Irene Smit acknowledged, and “they need to know.”
“If we can keep that to a bare minimum,” said Mayor Robb Noon, referring to the non-emergency 911 calls, “that’s less on the taxpayer to come up with.”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
