Ontario Provincial Police are defending their decision to charge the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship for traffic control during next week's parade of boats.That cost could be as high as $1,200.
Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick says the need to reduce hours of service to meet the demands of a new policing contract contributed to the decision.
"So parades was one of the areas that was deemed a non-essential service," says Kendrick, "and we've moved to a more of a pay-for-service, or paid duty rate because we don't staff parades on overtime. It's always done with existing officers."
Kendrick says officers are needed on the parade route to ensure emergency vehicles can pass safety through if needed.
The OPP policy change will also impact the Fort Frances Christmas Parade of Lights if its route goes down Scott St.
