Leadership of the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce were honoured to be consulted with as part of a new study looking into Kenora’s policing needs and are continuing to advocate for the best interests of our business community.

KDCC President Andy Scribilo, Executive Director Ron Malashewski, and Manager Alex Evans were contacted by consultants with MNP regarding the City of Kenora exploring the idea of bringing back a municipal police force to replace the OPP’s current model, and met with consultants at City Hall on September 17.

“Being part of this consultation is important because we’re here to ensure the voices of Kenora’s business community are heard,” said Scribilo. “Our members are directly impacted by these decisions, and it’s our role to bring their concerns forward so we can work together toward a safer, more welcoming community.”

Scribilo, Malashewski, and Evans all shared concerns gathered from KDCC Member Businesses and local business owners, including a rise in graffiti and property damage, ongoing drug use, concerns about the vulnerable population, and their impacts on tourism – and how important improvements with downtown visibility and increased collaboration with community partners are.

“The police should be more visible and active with partners,” said Malashewski. “However, that doesn’t necessarily help to prevent criminal activities and drug use on the streets. This should all be covered in a strategic plan as part of the proposal to return to municipal policing. Any police force needs to establish its priorities and, although public relations can be great, it doesn’t necessarily resolve the issues related to criminal activity,” he added.

Acting Inspector with the Kenora OPP, Jim Neild, notes the OPP’s data actually indicates a reduction in property crime in this area over the past year, including fewer reported incidents of vandalism and break-ins.

“The OPP is highly engaged with community partners and is working collaboratively to address issues of concern. The OPP has a role/mandate and takes public safety seriously by upholding the law,” Neild adds.

Neild adds that throughout the summer, the Kenora OPP implemented dedicated foot patrol assignments in the downtown core – aligning with the OPP’s Provincial Strategic Plan – which he notes emphasizes on community engagement, visibility, and proactive policing. Neild adds that the OPP has received positive feedback from city leadership on this initiative.

“The Kenora OPP remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including the KDCC, to ensure that policing strategies reflect the needs and values of our community,” says Neild. “We look forward to continued collaboration as the Municipal Policing Study progresses.”

The City of Kenora states it has engaged MNP to conduct a Municipal Policing Study and explore the requirements and impacts of establishing a municipal police force to provide frontline policing services instead of the OPP, noting the OPP’s rising costs have presented recent challenges.

The KDCC will continue to advocate for its members and local business owners through this important and ongoing consultation with the community. More information on expected operating costs, one-time startup costs, and transition costs of a municipal police force are expected to be released in the future, but are not available at this time.