A special council meeting in Duncan will discuss alternatives for RCMP dispatch services with other South Vancouver Island municipalities.
Three recommendations have been put forward by city staff to address what they’re calling a substantial increase in E-Comm services that amount to just over $248,000 for 2025 and are expected to rise next year by over $82,500 next-year.
City of Duncan CAO Peter De Verteuil says 10 municipalities on Southern Vancouver Island have already approached the province to ask for equality when it comes to policing in BC, but so far that has fallen on deaf ears.
“We’ve been trying to discuss with the province as to how unfair this is,” he says. “Island District in Campbell River, Courtenay as well as North District as well in the Southeast District are all still paid for by the province.
“We’re now forced to work into a contract with E-Comm.”
De Vertueil says the city is looking at alternatives with the other communities affected by the costs of policing, and that info will be shared after council has time to consult and determine how they want to move forward.
According to a staff report, the city has already been billed by E-Comm for $82,870 per quarter with Duncan being responsible for 12 RCMP members, which they say equates to roughly $6,906 per member per quarter.
The new agreement would ensure proper engagement, security, and performance standards, annual reporting and situational analysis while lasting nine months.
Council is expected to meet today (May 23) at 1:00 p.m.
