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The East Lennox and Addington OPP Detachment Board says it’s ahead of many others across Ontario when it comes to rolling out changes under a new provincial policing law.
At a recent Greater Napanee council meeting, community appointee Jessica Jones presented the board’s first annual report. She says the board formed in mid-2024 after the Community Safety and Policing Act replaced the older Police Services Act.
The board includes elected officials and community members from Addington Highlands, Greater Napanee, Loyalist Township, and Stone Mills Township.
Jones highlighted key milestones, including training, budget planning, and policy creation. A provincial appointee is still to be named.
Council thanked Jones for the update, and the presentation was officially received with no questions or concerns raised.
Later in the meeting, council received a report from Executive Services regarding an OPP Funding Review Update.
Serious concerns were raised about police staffing and funding as a new provincial billing model for the OPP is expected this fall.
At a recent council meeting, members discussed worries about surprise budget increases and whether the local OPP detachment has enough officers to meet demands.
CAO Matthew Grant said the detachment faces heavy calls, use of staff by the correctional centre and the court, and the busy 401 corridor, which strains local resources.
Councillor Angela Hicks questioned who will fund extra staffing linked to the Quinte Detention Centre expansion.
Council members shared they they’ve heard these issues are common across Ontario and hope the new billing model will address them.
The mayor and council plan to push for answers from the Solicitor General and the OPP detachment commander.
Written by Emily Chatwood
