NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO—With all the concerns raised on Manitoulin Island recently regarding the location chosen for the new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) building in Little Current and what the future holds for other OPP detachments on the Island, officials of both the OPP and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) reached out to the Recorder last week to clarify the process, and to stress that public input is paramount to the decisions to be made.
“I wanted to talk to you and clarify our position in regards to the concerns of residents and community leaders on the new OPP building location in Little Current, and concerns that have been raised on the future of the other (current) detachments on the Island,” said Yves Forget, Inspector-Detachment Commander for OPP East Algoma and the Northeast OPP Command. “Basically in regards to the new Little Current detachment, what has been a little lost in all of this is that the Little Current detachment had been selected as part of a province-wide modernization plan.”
Mr. Forget explained eight new OPP offices are being constructed across Ontario. “The reason for the new buildings to be constructed is that it was identified that on average, the eight buildings are all between 40- and 60-years-old. They are antiquated facilities and have exceeded their life span. The new facilities are all driven by their need to become modern to meet police needs, and health and safety standards,” he said, noting the current Little Current OPP office was formerly a house and converted into an OPP building.
“Basically, the Little Current project is driven to modernize the building and expand services in Little Current and all of Manitoulin Island will benefit,” continued Mr. Forget. “Not only for the officers but the community having adequate sized buildings.”
“We are replacing these eight very antiquated buildings (province-wide),” said Mr. Forget. “I know one of the big concerns of Manitoulin Island municipal leaders and communities is that they have been led to believe that because of these new buildings, some or all of the other OPP buildings will be closed but that’s not the reason for this project, it’s about replacing current, antiquated buildings.”
“From a regional command structure, we have not even looked or began discussion concerning the other detachments on the Island,” said Mr. Forget. “The OPP work with IO and community leaders hasn’t started. We aren’t even close to being there yet. People have the impression that once the ribbon cutting takes place on the new building the other detachment offices will be closed. We haven’t looked at this or even initiated conversation on this issue.”
Mr. Forget noted, “the OPP is always evaluating and looking for efficiencies, and when we do look at consolidation, realignment or possible closures there will definitely be community and municipal consultation.”
“At the regional level we will be connecting with community leaders and getting community input on anything being looked at or considered in the future,” stated Mr. Forget.
As for the question that has been raised as to if the local OPP had any knowledge or input into selecting Little Current as the location for the new OPP office to be constructed, Mr. Forget said. “I think it is inappropriate to comment on this.”
“I can tell you no decision has been made or has been considered, concerning the other detachments on the Island,” said Mr. Forget. “As we look at efficiencies in the future we don’t know exactly where this will lead. But any decisions, if there are any forthcoming, will be made after full consultation takes place with the local community, municipal leaders and the local OPP.”
Cary Mignault, of IO, told the Recorder, “Infrastructure Ontario follows a set process for selecting sites for new buildings. We work very close with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the OPP during the site selection process to ensure any sites considered meet key OPP programmatic and operational requirements.”
“And we work hand in hand with the OPP on this,” said Mr. Mignault. “In a nutshell , we get input from the OPP on what their needs are and what they feel is the best site locations.”
