The town signed a three-year, $1.2 million enhanced policing agreement in 2019. (File photo/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

contract dispute

La Ronge council to attempt to recoup $1.2 million from RCMP

Sep 27, 2023 | 1:00 PM

La Ronge council voted at a regular meeting Tuesday to attempt to recover more than $1.2 million from the RCMP for breach of contract.

The decision was in regards to a three-year, $1.2 million enhanced policing agreement between the town and RCMP that was reached in October 2019. That was in addition to the $202,000 the town was already paying annually for policing services at the time.

Three new constables were hired through the agreement and those officers were focused nearly entirely on servicing the municipality such as increased patrols and other direction suggested by council. The officers had to dedicate at least 70 per cent of their on-duty time to town responsibilities.

Council voted in April 2022 to end the contract and it formally concluded in November of that year.

“It is believed that the La Ronge RCMP detachment struggled to maintain a full ‘regular’ complement of officers during the term of the enhanced policing agreement, and certainly did not have three additional members during that time,” a document prepared by administration for council stated.

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“Enhanced policing costs were substantial, and with lost interest calculated to December 2022, the total loss is $1,245,150.47.”

There was no discussion by council on the agenda item and it was quickly decided the best way to move forward was to attempt to recoup the funds.

“If the province is unable or unwilling to provide a lump sum reimbursement of funds, the town should apply the $1,245,150.47 owed, plus future interest on amounts outstanding (as per the town’s interest rates), against annual policing invoices (i.e., approximately $235,000/year) until the town is made whole.”

Administration has now been directed to prepare a letter outlining the claim, desire for reimbursement and intention to apply outstanding funds against future regular policing costs.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com