The City of Kenora will be conducting a study to look at the feasibility of bringing back a municipal police force.
Councillor Bob Bernie introduced a Notice of Motion late last year asking administration for the study.
He says it will be worth the money they spend on it.
“The cost? The $92,000? I mean, some are balking at the cost, and I get it, we’re in a position right now that we have to make some tough decisions regarding our budget and tax levy, but we can’t afford not to do this. I really feel that” Bernie explained to council on Tuesday during its Committee of the Whole meeting.
He adds the cost is minimal compared to the data they will be getting and it’s something future councils can use.
“This is going to be a reference point for them that they can make future decisions based on. It’s going to be that important in my mind, because it gives us this data that’s going to be collected. This fulsome report that we’re going to have, it’s going to be the gold standard moving forward to be able to make decisions.”
Bernie told council the city needs to control its own destiny, and right now they can’t with the costs imposed upon them by the OPP.
