OPP say Dryden Police Service building unusable: too close to rail line

A plan to determine the cost of using the OPP to police the City of Dryden in northwestern Ontario has hit a roadblock.

A policing committee was told by the OPP the current Dryden Police Service detachment, on King St. could not be used by the OPP, due to its proximity to fueling stations, and the CP Rail mainline, which carries hazardous materials.

• Dryden, Ont. considering switch to OPP for policing
• Dryden city council to consider disbanding Dryden Police Service

"They've discovered an obstacle and they have to see if it's a deal-breaker,  or there's other alternatives that could be worked on," said Greg Wilson, the Mayor of Dryden.

"As long as we have all of the information in front of us, or a future council, then that's really what matters."

Dryden council voted in June to examine if it should disband its own municipal police force, and go with OPP service. Dryden is the only community in northwestern Ontario, besides Thunder Bay, that has its own force. Kenora disbanded its force in 2009.

"There's always hiccups when looking at these types of proposals. It doesn't mean there aren't other options, and the OPP is working on some different scenarios for us to look at," said Wilson. 

According to municipal officials, OPP have not ruled out the Highway 17 detachment east of Dryden as a possible location, adding that police are looking into other viable alternatives. Administration said they hope to hear back in a few months about some options.

Wilson said the goal is to have the costing study complete by June, 2018.