Owen Sound and West Grey will be pursuing police partnership discussions.
City council unanimously passed a motion from Mayor Ian Boddy at Monday’s meeting to explore the potential implementation of joint municipal police services with West Grey.
Council also directed Owen Sound City Manager Tim Simmonds to initiate discussions with West Grey representatives, and the Owen Sound and West Grey Police Services boards to evaluate the feasibility, benefits and potential structure of a joint police force.
“As we continue to address the challenges of modern policing: the rise in costs, the need for specialized services and maintaining local accountability, the potential for collaboration is key,” says Owen Sound Coun. Brock Hamley. “A joint police service with West Grey could allow us to pool resources, share expertise and provide more effective coverage without sacrificing the local touch that residents expect and deserve.”
“But I don’t believe this is just about the finances,” Hamley continues. “It’s about doing everything we can to ensure both our communities are better equipped to tackle issues like mental health crises, drug-related crime and rural public safety.”
West Grey council has already passed a similar motion — directing its staff to commence discussions with Owen Sound representatives, and the two municipal police services boards.
Simmonds couldn’t provide any insight yet about how the process will unfold, and when reports could come back to the councils.