Dear North Huron Council & CAO
Members of the Public, at least one Councillor, and WFP have repeatedly asked for household costs for the OPP to police Wingham. A councillor admitted in open session of council they did not get a price for the OPP to police Wingham before, during or after they negotiated a new contract with the Wingham Police Service.
Despite Council and Town Staff knowing what the Wingham Police cost per household is, they have consistently refused to reveal it at a Council meeting, or Police Service Board meeting in front of the “traditional” media.
According to Town Hall it currently costs $679/household for the Wingham police. It is widely reported that the OPP cost approximately half that at $280-$350/household. Council should be fully aware of OPP costs, as Blyth and East-Wawanosh are serviced by the OPP.
This silence from Town Hall has resulted in months of “negative” publicity. As a result of this, more people have come forward with their experiences which show a pattern of extremely inappropriate actions by Wingham police officers.
We formally request the CAO to Publicly disclose household policing costs for the Wingham Police Service, and for the OPP to police Wingham. The CAO has the authority to disclose that information without Council approval.
Releasing this information before Monday’s meeting will help reduce the chances of disorder from an enraged Public which is divided regarding the release of this information.
There are no moral or legal reasons to continue withholding this information from the Public.
Please release this information ASAP so Wingham can start recovering.