Kensington hits snag in search for new vehicle
If new patrol car cannot be found to purchase, force may have to borrow one
KENSINGTON, P.E.I. - Town officials here are hoping to acquire a new vehicle for the Kensington Police Service – sooner rather than later.
However, the town may have to wait at least six months for a new vehicle unless it successfully buys a used police interceptor through auction on Wednesday, March 23.
The town had initially hoped to purchase a 2023 hybrid Ford Explorer to replace the Kensington Police Service’s 2018 Ford Taurus, which was written off after a crash on Blue Shank Road in
FILE late February.
But, shortly before the Monday, March 14 regular town council meeting, the town was told that the vehicle was unavailable.
After reviewing options, it was recommended that council members approve the purchase of a slightly used 2020 hybrid Ford Explorer interceptor at auction with an approved maximum bid amount of $60,000 plus HST, along with $10,065 plus HST approved for equipment. The vehicle was previously a demonstration vehicle with 5,200 kilometres driven.
Though, with no guarantees that the town will put forward the winning bid for the vehicle, council also moved to buy a 2022 Ford Explorer for $58,502 plus HST and $10,065 plus HST for equipment from D. Alex MacDonald Ford in Summerside, if unsuccessful in the auction today.
However, the newer model vehicle came with a minimum wait of six months before it would be delivered.
If the town is forced to wait for the newer vehicle, Mayor Rowan Caseley said Kensington may have to look to the Atlantic Police Academy or one of the other Island police forces to possibly borrow a vehicle.
The mayor said the town could also explore renting a civilian vehicle as a backup option if worse comes to worst.
"This will just be a temporary thing," said Caseley. "We do have one vehicle that we use – it would just be a backup if we needed one for some particular reason."