The NDP says increased police costs are putting municipal services in jeopardy.
Several northern Ontario municipalities are facing double digit increases in their OPP bills next year.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says they are reviewing the OPP invoices.
“We will absolutely listen to our municipalities,” Kerzner told the Ontario Legislature during Question Period on Wednesday.
“This morning, I met with the mayor of Red Lake, who is with us today. I will continue to engage in discussions. We will continue to review the invoices that were sent to the municipalities.”
NDP MPP John Vantof says he respects the job the OPP do, but these hikes are jeopardizing municipal services.
“This is about the provincial government abdicating their role in municipal services. When will the province step up to the plate and actually help municipalities before they actually can no longer provide basic services to their residents.”
In northwestern Ontario, Dryden is looking at a 19 percent increase in OPP costs, Fort Frances 25 percent and Kenora 37 percent.
According to the City of Dryden, it has the highest police costs per property in all of Ontario, at an estimated $1,756 per property, versus the Ontario average of $350 per property.
Kenora is sitting second in the province for highest policing costs.
