Amherstburg's policing options are narrowing, but renewed debate has surfaced over whether Windsor police should still be considered. Coun. Linden Crain wants to take another look at the Windsor Police Service agreement, which was already rejected by council, arguing residents deserve to see what it would cost to renegotiate its contract before council commits to any other long-term decision.
Mayor Michael Prue, however, says the Windsor option has already been ruled out. "It makes no sense to not have the costing in front of us and receive a quote," Crain told the Star. "I think that conversation needs to be had."
Just over a year after Amherstburg council approved a five-year renewal of its contract with the Windsor Police Service in late 2023, the City of Windsor advised the town it wanted out at the end of its term Jan. 1, 2029. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens previously told the Star the contract was ending for financial reasons, but added the city is open to renegotiating.
In August, the town cut off talks to renew the contract with Windsor over the city's refusal to give the town a voting seat on the Windsor Police Services Board. "Windsor unilaterally, without discussion, cancelled our contract," Prue said. "They left (us) in a position we had to go out and look for alternatives. Council has already decided in its wisdom, that we're not going there. We have been treated abysmally."
Amherstburg has been searching for a replacement — restoring its own police force, joining LaSalle's force, or contracting the Ontario Provincial Police like five other Essex County municipalities. The town also approached Essex County council about establishing a regional police force but there was little interest. A notice of motion just to have staff look into the cost of hiring a consultant to explore what a regional police service would cost was roundly defeated last April.
The proposal to expand LaSalle's policing services to Amherstburg was also declined due to time constraints. Prue told the Star on Tuesday the town is down to two options, either restarting a standalone police service or the OPP. "Crain keeps pushing this third option, which we have rejected multiple times," Prue said. "We had that discussion, and he was on the losing end, but he continues to push this, which is the wrong thing."
Crain said he respects council's decision to end talks with Windsor, but felt the town still owes it to residents to at least get a price from the city. "What I'm hearing from residents is that they want to understand what it would take to get Windsor back to the table," he said. "It doesn't hurt to get pricing for three options." Addressing a misconception that Windsor is no longer interested in providing service, Crain said that is not true. He told the Star some residents believe Windsor cut ties, but he insisted it was the other way around. "For those that are saying Windsor is not an option, it certainly is," Crain said. "This council decided not to pursue it." A report on the potential costs for the remaining two options is expected to be presented to council in the coming months.
