Members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP Detachment Board expressed interest, at their June 18 meeting, in a provincial government OPP billing review.
Members appeared to be unaware of the review that was announced May 22.
However, it was mentioned during a delegation from the municipal policing bureau.
In a letter to impacted mayors and CAOs, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) said the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN) had announced the review, which is expected to be finalized in time for the issuing of 2026 annual billing statements, and opportunities for engagement with municipalities in June.
AMO posted the news to its website May 23 saying, “AMO understands the impact of rising police costs on municipalities across Ontario, including both those with OPP and municipal police services. AMO looks forward to working closely with SOLGEN on this review and putting it within the context of the need to reform the broader provincial-municipal fiscal relationship.”
Lisa Rotar and Janet Feaver, municipal policing specialists for the Central Region, came to the board meeting to discuss a myriad of OPP information, including annual billing statements.
Member Liz Danielsen queried billing costs per household, due to the large seasonal population in the County.
“This is something that Haliburton County has made significant arguments about in the past when the billing formula was changed. Although the bill is x amount of dollars per household, we’re unique in that half of our households are seasonal and they don’t require the same level, I believe, of service, but no adjustments are made for what’s required for service. MPAC knows how many seasonal residents (there are). I don’t understand why they’re all billed at the same amount.”
Rotar then mentioned the review, noting last year a large discount was given. She added OPP have no say over billing, but it is a SOLGEN decision. She suggested local municipalities provide feedback to the ministry this month.
Danielsen replied, “we made some significant arguments in the past (that were) completely ignored.” She said she would like to put faith that the County’s concerns will be considered in the review. “Residing two to three months a year versus 12 is considerably different.”
Member Bob Carter agreed, saying there are more than 7,000 properties in Minden, but fewer than 7,000 people. “Everyone in Minden has more than one house according to the regulations.
“In our base service, we’re paying more than we are getting, and even having the potential to get. The numbers are huge for us. You are our largest single supplier, at $2 million. It’s a lot of money. This would make a significant change. This is something that really needs to be addressed. We cannot continue to support this type of a situation. Your costs go up every year. Our ability to continue to pay this, unfair model, is not sustainable. It’s not a minor thing. It’s big.”
Rotar said OPP recover costs, and don’t make money on the essential service, “we provide when needed, there, readily available. It is a big bill to pay but it’s essential.”
She reiterated they’ve heard from other municipalities with the same concerns which is why the review is underway. She said they convey issues to the province, but the County should too.
OPP in schools
Rogan added OPP have recognized they need more staff and are recruiting.
Member Walt McKechnie said he would like more police presence in schools.
“We don’t talk about our youth enough.” He said young people need to gain a respect for police, who can educate them on the pitfalls of drugs.
Detachment commander Deb McClure agreed, saying the OPP school resource officer is returning after a hiatus. “I agree, Walt, it is very near and dear to my heart, too.” She’d like a presence, even for evening events, and to do recruiting nights at the high school. However, she said staffing is tight in small detachments such as Haliburton, so it is a balancing act.
As McClure presented the statistics for March to May, Carter said in future he would prefer she highlight worrying trends.
And member, Andrew Hodgson, talked about allocation of resources, asking, for example, why OPP would be out on the water on a Wednesday, when few boaters are on the lake, when “kids in high school are selling drugs. Allocation of resources… the best way of spending our policing dollars. Bang for the buck is critical to our citizens.”
The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24.
