A funding dispute that halted meetings of the Essex County OPP Detachment Board South has been resolved, paving the way for the board to hold its first meeting of 2026. Kingsville Town Council approved its share of a new funding model on June 8, following Leamington's approval in April. The model, proposed by the Township of Pelee, allocates 45 percent of costs to Kingsville, 45 percent to Leamington, and 10 percent to Pelee.
Background of the Funding Dispute
The south board's November 2025 meeting was cancelled due to the funding issue, and no meetings have been held in 2026. The board, which oversees OPP services in the region, is required by the Community Safety and Policing Act to meet at least four times a year. The new funding model was necessary after Pelee Township objected to the original one-third cost split, citing limited police activity on the island and budget constraints.
Resolution and Next Steps
Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers, who chairs the police board, confirmed that the resolutions will be sent back to Pelee Island for final confirmation. Once approved, the board aims to hold a meeting before the end of the current term, which concludes with municipal elections in October. “The goal is to meet before then again, just kind of clear up any loose ends that we had from this term with this board and then just make sure that it’s a clean slate leading into the next term,” Rogers said.
Board Composition and Budget
The board includes representatives from Kingsville, Leamington, Pelee, and Caldwell First Nation. Caldwell First Nation is not required to contribute to the budget under a determination from the Inspectorate of Policing. The proposed 2026 budget for the board is $30,114, covering insurance, member remuneration, and conference costs. Rogers explained that the board’s role is oversight and accountability, working with OPP detachment staff to ensure service levels and address problem areas.
Pelee Mayor Cathy Miller expressed satisfaction with the agreement. “I’m thrilled that Kingsville has passed it. I’m thrilled that Leamington has passed it. And then properly the municipality of Pelee will finalize that and they’ll be off to the races,” she said. The board’s meetings will resume once Pelee formally approves the model.
