A change in how some policing in Windsor-Essex is overseen takes effect on Monday.
The Community Safety and Policing Act of 2019 is now in effect, meaning that police services boards under the previous Police Services Act are now dissolved for municipalities patrolled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
In Windsor-Essex, the police services boards in Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh, have been replaced with the new Essex Detachment Board North.
The new board, which may consist of up to nine representatives from the three communities, includes the following.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy and community representative Dave Kigar
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and community representative Julie Johnston
Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara and community representative Paul Sweet
Bondy said the actual police work will not change.
"The Town of Essex will continue to address the policing needs of our community through the newly developed Police Services Detachment Board," said Bondy. "We look forward to working with our neighbouring municipalities to ensure that our communities are a safe place for all."
Bailey said it was important that each municipality had an equal say in community policing.
"Having council and community representatives will ensure our residents will continue to have a voice on policing in Lakeshore’s communities," said Bailey. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues from neighbouring municipalities as we navigate the changes to how detachments are governed at the local level."
McNamara said the new arrangement will help enhance public safety and keep resources where they are needed.
"Through collaboration with Lakeshore and Essex, the amalgamated board will aim to optimize our resources and enhance policing effectiveness," said McNamara. "This unified approach underscores our dedication to building safer, stronger communities."
An "at-large" representative will be rotated for each municipality in each calendar year, starting in 2024 with Tecumseh, which chose former police services board chair Chris Hales.
Lakeshore will appoint an at-large representative for 2025 and Essex for 2026. The provincial government will also appoint two people to round out the nine-member board.