St. George decides to keep RCMP service

The southwestern New Brunswick town of St. George has decided to stick with the RCMP instead of creating a new local police force.

In January, town councils in St. George and neighbouring Blacks Harbour voted to end contracts with the RCMP.

The councils had become frustrated by rising costs and complaints of poor service by the Mounties.

But after reviewing the costs involved, St. George council found the status quo is its best option for policing services.

The town of 1,500 residents will pay $345,000 this year for RCMP service.

St. George Mayor Sharon Tucker said it wouldn't be any cheaper to create a municipal force.

"We costed out the options and we felt that at this point in time it would not be feasible," she said.

Tucker said it would be too costly to create contingency funds, acquire and operate buildings and hire staff.

"We felt that we had to be proactive and include contingency funds, as well as infrastructure, both physical and human resources, that it would not be appropriate for us to look at that level of cost," said Tucker.

"The financial impact to the municipality would have been a significant tax increase."

Tucker said the town has discussed ways to improve communication with the RCMP and increase the force's visibility in the community.

Blacks Harbour is still exploring its options over how to handle future policing contracts.

Mayor Terry James said her council remains open to alternatives to the RCMP for providing police protection.

"In my discussions with council I'm getting the sense that we will not be rescinding our motion and will in fact keep looking at other options," said Jones.

Blacks Harbour will make a formal decision about policing when council meets later this month, said James.