West Nipissing will not have a functional police station for at least 1-2 years says police board

Citizens of West Nipissing could be in for a frustrating couple of years says the chair of the present Police Services Board.

Barry Bertrand, in a news release, says citizens could be without a police station for a couple of years if the OPP takes over from the local service.

In early October, the West Nipissing Police Services Board got a letter from then Ontario Community Safety Minister Michael Tibollo in response to the Board’s concerns related to the costing process. In it, Tibollo only addressed one of the issues identified by the Board.

“The proposed location is limited to temporary use such as reporting for duty, picking up equipment and vehicles, completing reports, or meeting with individuals of the community. Administrative staff will not be working at this location and the facility will not be used for any operational purposes,” Tibollo wrote.

"In essence, this means the people of West Nipissing will not have a functional police station for at least 1-2 years," explains Bertrand. "Should they require support, they will have to drive to either Warren or Noelville, 'when open' or Sudbury. The Board disagrees with Mr. Tibollo’ s final statement whereby he states; 'the OPP will continue to work diligently with municipal stakeholders to ensure effective, efficient and sustainable police services in Ontario.'”

Bertrand says if the municipality knew there would not be a suitable police facility why was this not disclosed?

"If they did not know, this supports the Board contention that a proper process would have identified the issue."

Meanwhile, the Board took exception to a statement by CAO Jay Barbeau.

"The Board is disappointed with the ruling and very concerned with how the media release was circulated and the misinformation in it,"  says Bertrand.

See: Despite court ruling, West Nipissing police battle to continue

"The media release insinuates that the court action is completed and the OPP transition commences. This statement is inaccurate  and article 69 of the ruling clearly specifies that Judge Kirk’s stay of proceeding will continue for 30 days from the judgment date of November 14. Our understanding is that all activities associated to the costing process will be held in abeyance until the stay expires," said Bertrand.

This thirty-day stay allows the Board to determine whether an appeal will be filed in relation to this judgment.

"The Board is also concerned in the manner, which the message was released. Mr. Barbeau did not provide the Board with sufficient time to inform its employee of the situation. The media is not the right way for employees to hear about the judgment,” says Bertrand. "The Board believes that Mr. Barbeau’s hastiness in delivering the message demonstrated a lack of professionalism. He should know better,” says Bertrand.

"With respect to Mr. Barbeau’s claim that unnecessary costs to taxpayers resulted from this action, the Board maintains that the overall Police Services budget, as approved by council in early 2018, will not increase."