The provincial government has put forth a new and final offer to cover the costs of the transition to a municipal police force in Surrey.
The offer, which was announced on Wednesday, includes a one-time payment of $36.5 million to cover the costs of transitioning from the current RCMP contract to a new municipal police force. This amount is in addition to the $11 million already provided by the government for the transition.
The decision to transition to a municipal police force was made by the City of Surrey in 2018, with the goal of improving community safety and addressing concerns about the RCMP’s effectiveness in the city. However, the transition has been met with challenges, including financial concerns and opposition from some community members.
The provincial government’s new offer is an attempt to address these concerns and provide support for the transition. In addition to the one-time payment, the government has also committed to covering the costs of the Surrey Police Service’s first three years of operation, estimated to be around $192 million.
The offer also includes a commitment to work with the City of Surrey to address any additional costs that may arise during the transition process. This could include costs related to collective bargaining agreements and the hiring of new officers.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth stated that the government’s offer is a fair and reasonable solution to support the transition to a municipal police force in Surrey. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the transition is done in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The City of Surrey has until March 31 to accept the government’s offer. If accepted, the transition to a municipal police force could begin as early as April 1.
Mayor Doug McCallum has expressed his appreciation for the government’s offer and stated that the City will carefully review and consider it. He also reiterated the City’s commitment to creating a modern and effective police force for the residents of Surrey.
The Surrey Police Service has also welcomed the government’s offer, stating that it will provide much-needed financial support for the transition. The service is currently in the process of hiring officers and developing its operational plan.
The provincial government’s offer has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Some have expressed concerns about the cost of the transition and the potential impact on taxes, while others see it as a necessary step towards improving community safety.
Overall, the government’s new offer is seen as a positive development in the ongoing transition to a municipal police force in Surrey. With the deadline for acceptance approaching, it remains to be seen if the City of Surrey will accept the offer and move forward with the transition.
