FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

City of Dryden Council to consider requesting OPP Costing

Dryden, ON The Council of the City of Dryden announced that it has requested that
City staff bring forward a report on the OPP costing process at the Council meeting on
May 15th, 2017. At a Special Meeting of Council to be held on Tuesday, May 23rd at
7 p.m., it is expected that Council will debate, discuss and vote on whether to approach
the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to formally submit a quote.
This request is being made entirely for financial considerations. This initiative is in no
way a reflection of the quality of service currently being provided by the Dryden Police
Service, nor does it question the skills, abilities and professionalism of the dedicated
men and women serving our community. Their service to the community is above
reproach.
As most citizens and businesses are aware, the City has gone through several years of
economic hardship. This is largely a result of high debt levels and a significant
reduction in its large industrial tax base.
Although the Citys financial situation has stabilized, ongoing and future challenges to
its sustainability remain:
(a) City infrastructure replacement needs in excess of $9 million annually
going into the future;
(b) High City debt levels through to the end of 2021;
(c) Continual cost escalation due to Provincial Government downloading;
(d) Ongoing reductions in the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund;
(e) Reductions in large commercial property valuations, resulting in reduced
tax revenue; and,
(f) Burgeoning Hydro electricity costs.
Increased provincial funding support is not available and tax increases are not the
answer to addressing the major challenges noted above. More significant cost reduction
actions are needed. This situation is not unique to Dryden.
It may take up to a year for the OPP to complete their study and present a proposal to
Council for consideration. Council will then have up to six (6) months from that point in
time to make their decision. There will be many questions that members of our police
department and the public will have during this review period. The process will offer an
opportunity for input. Council recognizes that this will be a time of uncertainty for
many people and we will make sure that communication lines remain open and that we
are available to answer questions and receive input.
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The Information Manual for the OPP costing process can be found via this link:
http://opp.ca/index.php?id=115&entryid=56e71d6e8f94ac5c3f31071b

Finally, we want to emphasize at this time that:

(a) NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, Council is simply considering
requesting a quote from the OPP.
(b) It may take up to a year before any proposal is put in front of Council to
review.
(c) Council will work closely with the Dryden Police Service through this
evaluation process.
(d) Any potential decisions in the future will ensure that public safety will not
be compromised.
Please direct any questions to either:

Mayor Greg Wilson Ernie Remillard, CAO

City of Dryden City of Dryden
Tel: 807-223-6119 Tel: 807-223-1194
Cell: 807-220-0057 Cell: 807-938-8786
gwilson@dryden.ca eremillard@dryden.ca

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