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Off-island towns sign service accord with SQ
Eight officers added
KRISTINA EDSON
The Gazette
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Mayors or representatives from 23 off-island towns passed a resolution last week paving the way for regional officials to endorse an estimated $1.1-million agreement with Sûreté du Québec police.
The agreement, which is mandated by the province, may be signed as early as next month, said one local mayor.
During a Jan. 23 meeting at the Municipalité Régionale de Comté de Vaudreuil-Soulanges offices, representatives from 23 towns listened to an SQ presentation before debating sticking points that have precluded an accord between towns and police in the past.
At issue has been the number of officers serving the 855 square-kilometre region located west of Montreal that stretches from Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Pérrot to the Ontario border.
Many mayors wanted to have more police in the area. In the end, mayors and police officials reached a compromise that will see eight additional officers added to the force of 120 officers that has served the off-island since 2002.
Some of the eight will be added as early as this week, the SQ said.
SQ records show the population of Vaudreuil-Soulanges has increased to 118,000 people from 101,000 in 2002.
There are between 13 to 15 police cruisers for 23 towns, with another two to four patrol cars watching the highways, depending on the time of day, said SQ Sgt. Jean-Charles Fillion.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each car is staffed with just one officer, while police pair up in the evening for their safety.
SQ Inspector Mario Lessard said the agreement will boost moral among his staff.
"It's important for officers to know the municipalities have confidence in us and our services," he noted.
That was not always the case between off-
island towns and the SQ.
Several municipal police forces were disbanded when the SQ took over in the region, leading to strained relations as towns paid higher prices for what was often considered fewer services.
"(The SQ service) was forced upon us by the government ... it's a law we are forced to sign," said St. Lazare Mayor Paul Carzoli, adding the current turn of events "is a step in the right direction."
During last week's meeting, Carzoli said some mayors pushed to have as many as 20 additional officers added to the regional ranks, while others were happy with less.
"I think more would be needed but I'm sure (adding eight more) will make a difference," Carzoli said.
Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon admitted he and fellow mayors were vocal in their past disapproval.
"We complained a lot and now they have made a move. ... I think it's a good agreement for now."
Paying the estimated $1.1-million price tag for the eight additional officers will be shared by the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Sûreté du Québec.
The region will pay for three officers, while the SQ will absorb costs for five, confirmed MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges prefect Normand Ménard, adding the MRC will pay its share through a provincial rebate it receives for police services.