TBL hoping for police coverage from Bromont department

The Town of Brome Lake has been in discussion with Bromont for two years about the its police force covering TBL. Mayor Richard Burcombe said at a press conference Thursday, August 30, that it would save TBL about $400,000, roughly 20 per cent, compared to what it pays the Sureté du Quebec.

The move would have to be authorized by Quebec’s Minister of Public Security. Burcombe said he is hoping that the new MNA in Brome-missisquoi will recognize the need for both communities to be served by the same police force. Current MNA Pierre Paradis is retiring.

Burcombe said he doesn’t criticize the SQ.

“The quality of their work is not in question,” he said. “We find that that the cost we pay is unacceptable in relation to the service we receive.”

Being covered by the Bromont police force would also increase service to TBL, Burcombe said, describing it as a “winwin situation for both cities.”

Bromont Mayor Louis Villeneuve agrees that it would save both municipalities money.

“We have the opportunity to make substantial savings, control our expenses, while continuing to provide outstanding service to our citizens,” he wrote in a recent press release. “For the people of Bromont, this is also excellent news.”

Burcombe said TBL is paying the SQ $1.8 million ($324 per capita) for services this year. A study shows that TBL pays 157 per cent more than the average cost paid by municipalities served by the SQ with a neighbouring police department.

“The solution is right next door, in Bromont,” he said.

A press release from both municipalities pointed out that provincial law does not allow a community of less than 50,000 people to make changes. Therefore, the municipalities are looking for commitments from the MNA candidates that would lead to passage of a private bill.

The proposal would meet the goals of intermunicipal agreements laid out by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy.

Bromont’s police department would have to expand, Chief Jean Bourgeois said in an interview after the press conference, but he declined to say how much.

TBL had its own municipal police department until 2002, after which the town was served by the SQ. Bromont has had its police service since the town was founded in the 1960s.