In December 2025, I sent a message to the Mayor and City Council indicating concern about the rhetoric and emotional statements and claims made for a new station with little […]
In December 2025, I sent a message to the Mayor and City Council indicating concern about the rhetoric and emotional statements and claims made for a new station with little or no data. A preliminary estimate of $91million would undoubtably turn into a project exceeding $100 million. Taxpayers deserve full transparency as to what the costs, deficiencies and benefits are for both the existing station and any new proposal. If those costs, deficiencies and benefits exist, they have not been presented to taxpayers.
I encouraged the mayor to veto the $5 million requested for a preliminary estimate. The question is: do we need a new station and can Sarnia afford the cost.
The interest for the first year alone would potentially pay for upgrades required for the existing building, that were estimated in a study completed a few years ago. The narrative continues from the Police board that the existing facility is beyond repair but taxpayers as yet have not seen a detailed cost analysis of what those deficiencies are.
I had asked Mr. Wiersma why the board has not looked at every alternative including the OPP- as policing is a service. If the existing building has not been maintained properly -WHY NOT? Is there a maintenance budget? Who is responsible for facility maintenance?
I suggested the following action plan:
1. Put on hold any spending on a new facility until all alternatives are evaluated
2. Complete a detailed report listing deficiencies with an estimated cost. Council and taxpayers should demand to see the data.
3. Evaluate the annual cost to move non operational personnel to a separate location.
4. Evaluate a cost sharing agreement to use the OPP training facility to eliminate lease costs at the mall.
5. What is the cost/year for policing with the existing building including upgrades and maintenance vs a new facility including the interest carrying costs?
6. Request a proposal from the OPP to take over City policing.
The concept of switching our policing to the OPP can be an emotional issue for some in the community, but in the end, policing is a service. Whether it is done by a city police force or the OPP should not be an issue as long as the public is protected.
Fiscal responsibility should be a key driving force in any decision. This City cannot afford a $100,000,000+ expenditure. Taxes are already too high and the new facility would only drive them higher for a generation adding another 2% + /year. Interest costs alone would exceed $5,000,000/ year. We can potentially modify and maintain the existing facility for less than the first-year interest carrying costs without burdening the City with a smothering debt.
I received little feedback from Council regarding my action plan. A data driven analysis should be presented to the public in a transparent report.
City taxpayers deserve nothing less and should expect nothing less.
