County mulls police request to tap cannabis funding
Citing “significant costs” incurred in dealing with the legalization of recreational cannabis, the Peterborough Police Board is looking to see whether Peterborough County might be willing to chip in some of its federal funding received over the past two years.
But that money may have already been allocated, though not spent, according to a report going before county council on Wednesday.
A request from the city’s police board was sent to council in March requesting the county consider using some of the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Funds received in 2018 and 2019 to assist with costs incurred by the Peterborough Police Service in the preparation of the legalization of cannabis.
In 2018 and 2019, the county received a total of $125,123 in OCLIF funding to be used to address costs directly related to the legalization of recreational cannabis, with 50 per cent going to the county directly and 50 per cent going to the individual municipalities within the county. The county has placed its portion of the funds received into deferred revenue and it has not been spent.
After consultation with townships within Peterborough County, staff stated that they understand that while Selwyn and Cavan Monaghan townships both use and provide tax levy support to the Peterborough Police Service, the remaining townships use and provide tax levy support to the Ontario Provincial Police.
“Staff have spoken with the majority of the lower-tier treasurers and understand that most have used the funds received for cannabis-related matters, such as planning initiatives, support to local fire departments, signage, etc.,” the report states.
Both Selwyn and Cavan Monaghan townships have also received a similar letter from the Peterborough Police Service Board, requesting consideration of funding.
The county does not have any responsibility for, nor is it involved in, the administration of policing activities for either Peterborough Police Service or the OPP, the report states, however the county does provide services in the areas of court administration, public health and paramedic services.
The letter from the Peterborough Police Board indicates that the police service incurred significant costs in 2018, with the legalization of recreational marijuana, related to such areas as training, increase RIDE programs, and investigation into legal and illegal dispensaries.
As well, the letter states that the city of Peterborough is a regional hub with many commuting from the county to the city on a daily basis for work, education, health care, shopping and entertainment and asked for consideration from the county to help assist with these additional costs.
The county hasn’t received any funding request from the OPP, however an OPP representative has indicated it has incurred similar costs as Peterborough police for similar reasons and may consider submitting a request.
Options available to the county include: denying this funding request; directing a portion of the OCLIF funds to Peterborough Police; and directing total payment of the OCLIF funds to Peterborough Police.