A regional coalition concerned with high policing costs is once again calling for action.
The group says a solution is needed to bring Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake and Kenora in-line with other municipalities in Ontario.
The coalition says it wants to work cooperatively with the Government of Ontario to find a funding solution for the extraordinarily high police costs in the three communities.
The municipal leaders say they have met with OPP officials, Ministry staff, and the Minister on the cost crisis and discussed possible funding solutions.
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance says the current system simply does not work for northern hub communities.
Lawrance says that is money that could be spent on fixing crumbling infrastructure and other critical community needs.
He notes they are running against the clock and hoping to find a solution with the OPP and provincial government by the end of the year.
The NNW coalition says the cost of policing in the three communities is about three times higher than the provincial average of $300 per property.
Kenora Mayor Andrew Poirier says since 2015, the three have paid $30 million more on policing than they should have.
Poirier calls the cost formula “devastating and an unfair burden on municipal taxpayers.”
