The Chair of the DRPS Board and Mayor of Ajax, Shaun Collier, has weighed in with his thoughts on the 10-year $1.1 billion police capital plan.
The plans has drawn fire from a section of councillors who point out that it will add to the tax burden on residents (see below). It is forecast to impact taxes by 25 per cent over ten years.
The plan also includes a new police division for the smallest municipality, Ajax, of which the DRPS Board Chair is the mayor.
Durham Regional Council took steps last week to define the financial path forward for DRPS by advancing three key decisions that they hope, will help shape the future of Durham communities.
First, council supported the 10-year Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) capital plan. According to Collier: “This is an important document that will guide investment to address growing policing infrastructure and staffing needs over the next decade.”
Two motions were also approved by Regional Council that are aimed at getting much-needed housing moving again across the region.
Rental Projects
“The Development Charge (DC) Deferral Program is a time-limited tool designed to help purpose-built rental projects get shovels in the ground sooner. By allowing development charges to be paid over a longer period, with interest and regional premiums in place, we can improve project viability while protecting taxpayers. This approach builds on similar work already approved by Ajax Council and reflects a balanced, fiscally responsible path forward,” said Collier.
Council also directed staff to report back on the feasibility of a Regional Financing Program.
“Across Durham and across Ontario, we are seeing rental projects stall. Projects that made sense just a few years ago are no longer viable due to higher borrowing costs and tighter lending conditions. This motion asks staff to explore how a portion of the region’s reserves could be strategically deployed, on a loan basis, to help unlock housing development while protecting the public interest.” added Collier.
“This is an important moment for the region and for the town. We cannot afford to sit back while opportunities pass us by. Planning for our future while making prudent, strategic decisions today is critical to our long-term success,” he added.