Mayors say some residents concerned after WRPS Rural North Division closes
In November 2021, the Waterloo Regional Police Service decided to close its Rural North Division in Elmira and instead deploy officers from the North Division in Waterloo, about 13 kilometres away.
Police said it was a decision made as WRPS continuously strives for cost avoidance and cost mitigation.
“As part of a recent facilities review, this sub-division was deemed no longer feasible to meet the needs of a modernized WRPS workplace. As the building’s lease came up for renewal, it was determined that continuing to deploy officers from that area would require significant investment,” said Cherri Greeno, manager of corporate communications and public information with WRPS.
Woolwich Township’s Mayor Sandy Shantz said she understands the reasons behind the closure, but she’s heard some concerns from residents.
“It’s noticeable,” Shantz said. “We would like to see the presence of the patrol cars and the officers.”
Police said they will still be there, adding residents shouldn’t be worried.
“The officers assigned to rural areas will continue to maintain their roles and provide effective service to community members,” said Greeno.
Police said the closure of the Elmira division will have no impact on call response.
“Officers are not dispatched from a division – they are typically out patrolling and respond to calls for service as they come in,” Green said.
Here is a look at average response for rural zones in Waterloo Region.
Meanwhile, the mayor of North Dumfries Township said she's hearing from her residents in her area about their concerns. She said it isn’t just response times, but the lack of police presence in general.
“A lot of times they are not coming. They are not going to come. They tell them 'we just can’t send an officer,'” said Mayor Sue Foxton.
Foxton is suggesting an overhaul of rural policing. She said it might help to offload the minor offences elsewhere.
“Bylaw can do the minor things, the neighbourhood things, and if it escalated they call police then,” Foxton said.
Police said throughout 2022, they will continue to explore rural policing, deployment and response times as they work on a long-term plan to provide more support to rural communities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.