Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey is warning municipalities about unforeseen policing costs associated with wind turbines.
Officials of a Kingston area township were stunned when this year's OPP policing bill came in $26,000 higher than normal.
They were told, as a result of changes to OPP policing policies, they were being charged a base service cost per turbine property, similar to residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Bailey understands the policy is under review.
"In an email, OPP Sergeant Peter Leon stated the Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections is currently reviewing the inclusion of wind turbines in the property count being used in the OPP billing model," says Bailey.
Rural Lambton County municipalities are now trying to determine if their OPP policing costs will be impacted.
Bailey advises municipalities still negotiating turbine installation terms, to ensure they put something in place to cover a possible hike in policing costs.