Dryden Council will be able to hear from the leadership of the local OPP and will take an in-depth look at the area’s fire services tonight.
Dryden City Councillors will be taking in a presentation from Dryden’s Detachment Commander, Adam Illman, as well as Staff Sergeant Ben Curtis and Police Services Board Chair John Carlucci.
Over the last few months, Mayor Jack Harrison has been working with the Ontario government and the Ministry of the Solicitor General on the annual costs of the Dryden OPP, now that the community’s just over one year into the OPP policing the area.
Mayor Harrison had asked for savings of $1.8 million for the community, or about 35 per cent.
Transitioning to the OPP from the Dryden Police Service last year cost about $8.5 million, after uniform, equipment, vehicle and detachment renovation costs. But the city is hoping to see savings from the transition by 2030 and 2037.
The city will also be taking in another presentation from the Loomex Group, which recently completed a Community Risk Assessment for Council earlier this month. This presentation will focus on Dryden’s Fire Master Plan.
Within the Loomex Group’s report – they are proposing combining Fire Hall #1 and Fire Hall #2 into a centralized fire station.
Fire Hall #2 primarily serves Barclay-area residents, and the last time a similar idea came to Council – it was nixed as the loss of that fire station would lead to major insurance increases.
Loomex notes most of the service operates out of Fire Hall #1, and Fire Hall #2 is outdated.
Council will also be receiving an update on their application to the Moffat Family Fund, which is asking for $100,000 to give out to community groups and organizations.
Dryden’s Open meeting of Council will kick off at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall. You can find a stream HERE.
