OPP Police Service Board

Proposal Submitted to the Solicitor General for a Single OPP Police Service Board for Northumberland Detachment 

May 25, 2021, Camborne, ON - In response to a request from Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, in accordance with the Community Safety & Policing Act, the Police Service Boards from the Township of Hamilton, Township of Alnwick-Haldimand, Township of Cramahe, Municipality of Trent Hills and the Municipality of Brighton have developed a plan for a single Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Police Service Board for the Northumberland detachment. The proposal as designed has the advantage of recognizing Northumberland’s community and local needs while at the same time responding to the Ministry’s overall requirements.

Each municipality has reviewed the recommendations and all have approved the proposal for submission to the Solicitor General.

The new Board, if approved, would replace the existing Police Service Boards in the five Townships with a new single Police Service Board for the Northumberland detachment. The Board would have a total of 10 members and would for the first time include representation from Alderville First Nation. The Board would consist of five elected council members (one from each municipality), 2 members appointed by the province, 2 community members and a representative from Alderville First Nation.

It is anticipated that the new reduced governance structure will be effective in its governance role and more efficient in its oversight and administrative relationship with the single Detachment Commander.

Mayor Bill Cane of the Township of Hamilton states “Township of Hamilton Council is in complete support of this initiative and would like to extend appreciation to members of its Police Service Board for their efforts in bringing this proposal to fruition.”

Dick Malowney, Chairperson of Township of Hamilton Police Service Board, indicated that he “would like to recognize the provincial government for reaching out to us with the flexibility that allows our local community to develop a model that is representative of our local needs.”

MPP David Piccini commends the proposal. “This initiative of a single Police Service Board would allow the Board to better address local priorities and improve service delivery. The proposed single board would be more efficient and better represent our community, including representation from the First Nation. Thank you to the members of the five Police Service Boards who have developed this plan with thoughts of how to best serve our community, efficient use of resources, while continuing to meet the expectations and requirements of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.” 

It is anticipated that with regulations expected this fall, that the new Boards would be effective January 2022.