The Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to announce that The Blue Mountains Police Services Board has formally transitioned to The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board.
In March 2019, the Ontario government passed the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (“CSPA”) as part of the Comprehensive Ontario Policy Services Act, 2019. The CSPA came into effect on April 1, 2024 and replaced the Police Services Act, 1990.
Under the new legislation, The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board will have a more clearly defined and expanded role in the community. The Board has undertaken a number of steps to ensure compliance with the legislation and applicable regulations. Details outlining these changes can be found in staff report FAF.24.071 Update to Council regarding the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and Impacts to The Blue Mountains Police Services Board as presented at the Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on June 17, 2024.
Across the Province, OPP Detachment Boards provide civilian input about how policing is provided in their local communities by the OPP. The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board is a civilian body that oversees the Collingwood OPP Detachment and The Blue Mountains Satellite Office. The roles and responsibilities of OPP Detachment Boards are set out under Section 68(1) of the CSPA:
- Consult with the Commissioner regarding the selection of a Detachment Commander and otherwise participate, in accordance with the regulations made by the Minister, in the selection of the Detachment Commander;
- Determine objectives and priorities for the Detachment, not inconsistent with the Strategic Plan prepared by the Minister, after consultation with the Detachment Commander or his or her designate;
- Advise the Detachment Commander with respect to policing provided by the Detachment;
- Monitor the performance of the Detachment Commander;
- Review the reports from the Detachment Commander regarding policing provided by the Detachment;
- On or before June 30 of each year, provide an annual report to the Town of The Blue Mountains Council regarding the policing provided by the Detachment in their municipalities.
The Board is comprised of five members appointed for the term of Council, including two Council Appointees (one being the Mayor), two Public Appointees, and one Provincial Appointee. The current Board composition is:
- Mayor Andrea Matrosovs
- Councillor Gail Ardiel
- Jim Oliver, Public Appointee and current Chair
- Lynn Church, Public Appointee and current Vice-Chair
- Donna Wilson, Provincial Appointee
Staff Resources include Detachment Commander Loris Licharson, Chief Administrative Officer Shawn Everitt and Deputy Clerk/Recording Secretary Kyra Dunlop.
If you would like to provide a Deputation, Correspondence or Public Comment at a Board Meeting, or for questions relating to the Board, please contact:
Kyra Dunlop
Deputy Clerk/Recording Secretary
32 Mill Street South
Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
townclerk@thebluemountains.ca
519-599-3131 ext. 306