A three-person panel of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission has given approval for Windsor to provide policing services to Amherstburg.
The decision follows a public hearing in the town in June where residents had a chance to voice their opinion on the city's bid.
Mayor Drew Dilkens, chair of the Windsor Police Services Board, calls it a great decision for taxpayers in both municipalities.
"It was a great business case that we submitted to the town of Amherstburg. They approved that business case. It's great news for taxpayers in Amherstburg and the city of Windsor. It just speaks to the regional cooperation that we have between Windsor and Amherstburg and the partnerships that we're building," says Dilkens.
He also says he is pleased the commission issued its decision before the end of the month.
"I think the commission was sensitive to the fact that the nomination period for council is coming up and there are items that have to go in front of council depending on who's running or not. They did provide the response late last night and it's exciting that we can move forward now and work out the details between Amherstburg and Windsor."
Dilkens says this is a great example of how services can be provided regionally.
"This is really a solid business case that shows the benefit of providing regional services," he says. "The town of Amherstburg and the mayor of Amherstburg and the councillors have been great to deal with, and the police services board has been great to deal with and I really think it speaks to a larger story of what can be done in the region."
Chief Al Frederick states, “The Windsor Police Service is excited about the opportunity to provide policing services for the town of Amherstburg. The Windsor Police Service is committed to providing the residents of Amherstburg the exceptional service they have come to expect, with numerous enhancements on the horizon.”
The contract between Windsor and Amherstburg is for 20 years and the switch should come early in 2019.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo has said the town could save an estimated $18-million over the life of the agreement.