Town of Woodstock Proposes Regionalization to Enhance Policing Services

Woodstock, June 25, 2024 — The Town of Woodstock is considering a proposal to extend its policing services to the former local service districts, now Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5, that were amalgamated due to Local Governance Reform. Earlier this year, the province approved Woodstock's consideration of a regionalized expansion of public safety services to cover the full jurisdiction of the new municipal boundaries.

 The Woodstock Police Force's proposal seeks to enhance public safety and operational efficiency across the broader region. Specifically, the initiative aims to build on existing partnerships, ensure 24/7 response availability, prioritize police visibility, and address community safety concerns through clearly defined and publicly communicated strategic planning objectives.

"The safety and well-being of our community is a top priority," stated Mayor Trina Jones. "This regionalization proposal is a step towards ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, receive consistent and high-quality policing services." Mayor Jones further emphasized the importance of community input in this process, adding, "We are committed to transparency and public engagement. We look forward to engaging with the public in the coming weeks as community feedback will be an important factor in Council’s decision."

 Public consultation is planned to take place within the next several weeks through platforms that encourage residents to voice their opinions and suggestions. Details of the proposal, including cost impacts and service delivery, will be made available during the public consultation process.

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