The mayors of Windsor, Amherstburg and LaSalle had an informal conversation about regional policing.
The idea was initially started between Windsor and Amherstburg, but that discussion now includes LaSalle.
"It went ok, I think there were some anxious moments during the discussion," says LaSalle mayor Ken Antaya.
Antaya wasn't initially receptive to the idea of being dragged into a regional policing discussion between Windsor and Amherstburg, saying LaSalle was merely a victim of geography.
“My opinion and that of my community hasn't changed,” says Antaya. “They're very happy with the service.”
Antaya says the LaSalle service is cost-effective and, most important, autonomous from other municipalities.
He now says he's willing to listen.
“If there is a more economical service available that wouldn't detract from the quality of service, it's our obligation to take a look at it," says Antaya.
Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens says if Windsor is looking at a regional model with Amherstburg, it makes sense if LaSalle gets into the mix.
“We're going to have our chief sit down with the chief in Lasalle and go through the exercise of understanding what level of service LaSalle currently receives and we'll prepare a costing for their consideration," says Dilkens.
Amherstburg's council initially asked neighbouring municipalities to provide costing for policing - a potentially cost-cutting measure for the cash-strapped town.
Mayor Aldo Dicarlo expects OPP and Windsor police forces will both make a case, one that will now include LaSalle.
“It's a really long process and obviously sitting down a getting feedback from each other about where we see this going,” says Dicarlo. “It's the beginning of the process, we can't go anywhere until we start."
