City/County Councillor Bill Dennis withdrew his motion for a review of Sarnia's policing model during Monday's council meeting, however, the discussion quickly turned into a heated tiff between him and the mayor.
Dennis said his motion was meant to send a message to the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) Board in retaliation for its proposed multi-million dollar police headquarters.
Sarnia Police Association Vice President Karen Kinart addressed council, with support from Police Association of Ontario President Mark Baxter.
"The possibility of losing our local police force is not just a threat to our jobs, it's a threat to the very heart of our community," said Kinart.
She referenced a ripple effect on the businesses and charities that depend on SPS member involvement and support.
"The unrest and uncertainty caused by this motion has already been felt across Sarnia," Kinart said. "It has deeply unsettled our membership. It leaves our people feeling unsupported at a time when stability is needed the most."
A policing review was previously considered in Sarnia. Mayor Mike Bradley said in 2010, the cost to switch to OPP was $10 million.
"So you can imagine what the cost would be today to transfer," Bradley said.
Dennis started speaking about the SPS Board's capital project proposal when Bradley interjected, asking him to get to his question for the speakers.
"This is an important issue, I'd ask for some leeway here," pleaded Dennis, who also said he didn't expect to get a seconder for his motion to speak to it during the debate portion of the meeting.
Dennis withdrew his motion and again began stating his reasoning when Bradley interrupted.
"Why are you in such a rush, Mike? Happy hour doesn't start for another three hours," said Dennis.
Dennis accused Bradley of using the matter for "political theatre" and claimed the SPS Board's proposal never would have gotten this far if Bradley hadn't stepped down from the board in 2023.
City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts called for a point of order twice during the dispute.
"This conversation isn't going to be the end. We're going to be debating this during the election, you bet your bottom dollar," said Dennis, who has publicly stated his intent to run for mayor in this fall's municipal election. Bradley has not yet stated his decision.
The matter ended with applause from spectators in council chambers.
