Northern communities campaign to keep local OPP station open

Community members and elected officials in four municipalities in the French River-area along with members of the Dokis First Nation are mounting a community campaign to stop the possible closure of the Ontario Provincial Police detachment in Noëlville. Response times are a big concern along with other factors said those involved in the campaign.

The news of the potential closure comes at a time when officials say the population in the entire area is growing.

"Our municipality is expanding we are getting more population and all of a sudden at the same time the police force is moving away,” said Mayor Paul Branconnier of the Municplaity of St. Charles.

“So I think that is not a good scenario."

Concerned residents said the OPP detachment in Noëlville serves French River, St. Charles, Markstay–Warren, Killarney and the Dokis First Nation.

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A petition is being circulated to stop the possible closure.

OPP have not confirmed, but residents said they have information proving it is being considered.

"Ministry notes have been prepared and so we have started a petition," said Mayor Gisele Pageau of the Municipality of the French River.

“We are going to be doing some submissions to the government to put a stop to it. It's important that we keep our OPP Station here.”

The local MPP France Gélinas told CTV News she plans to introduce the petition at Queen's park this week.

"The OPP will be putting forward a report. The people have an opportunity to be heard either through the petition or to talk to their municipal councillors or the municipality,” said Gelinas.

“Then all of this will be sent to the Solicitor General. It's the Solicitor General who makes the final decision."

Shannon Gardell lives in the community of Alban and was part of organizing the petition against the possible closure.

"With recent closures in Still River and Markstay–Warren that's going to leave detachments only in Sturgeon Falls and Sudbury which is 45 minutes at a minimum away,” said Shannon Gardell. “That delayed response rally isn't helpful to the safety of our community and our citizens.”

In an email, the OPP said there is no identified closure date for the Noëlville detachment.

Community members and the Nickel Belt MPP said they will continue their efforts to show why a closure is unacceptable.

The Noëlville OPP Station on Feb. 18/23. (Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)