Penetanguishene continues to work with the Province on the CNCC Policing Costs matter
April 21, 2023 – On April 18, 2023, Mayor Doug Rawson, Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose, and CAO Jeff Lees had the opportunity to meet with the Solicitor General through a delegation at the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) conference. This delegation was granted by the Solicitor General to discuss the concern with rising policing costs associated with the Central North Correctional Centre (CNNC).
As our community is aware, this topic has been a priority of Council and Staff since early 2021. During the last 3 years, the Town of Penetanguishene has advocated that Policing Costs at this Provincial facility are the single and sole responsibility of the Province of Ontario, not to be funded by the residents of Penetanguishene.
Mayor Rawson, Deputy Mayor La Rose, and CAO Lees approached the meeting on Tuesday with three main objectives:
- Invite and hold audience with the Solicitor General in our municipality, including a tour of CNCC;
- Make our community whole from the cost implications;
- To work collaboratively with the province and key partners in creating a funding formula that is equitable and balanced for future years.
The Town is pleased to share that the delegation proved to be successful, and concerns were genuinely heard and addressed. In terms of the main objectives, the Town has secured the commitment from the Solicitor General to visit the Town of Penetanguishene this coming June 2023. The Minister also expressed their appreciation and understanding of the cost imbalance and is committed to genuinely working with his staff and our municipality on a resolution moving forward.
“Our residents can be sure that we will continue to take every opportunity available to advocate for the needs of our community” says Mayor Rawson. “I want to thank the OGRA Conference for providing the opportunity to ensure that our ongoing concerns were heard and look forward to finding a resolution that is fair to both our taxpayers and the province.”
Additional details, and past news releases on the rising policing costs as a result of CNCC can be found on www.penetanguishene.ca or Connect Penetanguishene. The Town will continue to share updates regarding this matter. To stay up to date, please subscribe to the News Portal.
