A poll of West Nipissing residents shows they want to keep their local police force over the OPP, but would like a referendum to settle the question.
However, town council voted 6-3 to accept the OPP proposal last night.
The West Nipissing Police Services Board engaged a research group, Oraclepoll Research to ask about a change from a local police service.
The report was presented to Municipal Council on December 5th, and it revealed mixed opinions.
See the full survey here.
While a 57 per cent majority support the decision to at least explore the comparison of policing costs – slightly more than half or 51 per cent prefers the continuation of the existing service model.
Only 26 per cent favour a switch to the OPP and almost a quarter are unsure.
Almost one-quarter are unsure.
Many either do not know or have no opinion on either the benefits or concerns with moving to the OPP. Those in support tended to name cost savings as merits, while detractors cited a loss of community policing, or questioned the cost savings.
While almost evenly split on wanting to have a say in the decision-making process, a clear majority would like the issue debated in a referendum. In addition, support for building a new $8 million facility is low.
Residents were clear on the issue of having a referendum with 68 per cent in support.
