We learned this week that policing services at the Volkswagen EV battery plant scheduled to begin production in 2027 will be provided by an OPP tactical unit.
The decision was made at a meeting in Toronto attended by St. Thomas Mayor and police board vice-chairman Joe Preston, former St. Thomas Police Chief Chris Herridge and current Police Chief Marc Roskamp.
We can assume Preston was representing the city in his capacity as mayor as the police board was not formally invited to the meeting.
Why would they have been?
This policing directive was a foregone conclusion administered at the provincial level.
Although initially hesitant to confirm, Preston stressed the OPP policing request came from the German auto manufacturer.
“In a general sense,” explained Preston in an interview early in the week, “the whole industrial area would be covered by city police, although I know there have been discussions between – I don’t know if I can say this or not – between the OPP and Volkswagen on having them have access to the Volkswagen part of the plant.”
Volkswagen is asking for the OPP unit to be housed in a new facility located no further than 2.5 kilometres from the gigafactory.
With an OPP tactical unit already located in London, it doesn’t make sense to have such a unit embedded with city police, advised Preston.
“We already have a tactical unit trained so there would not be a reason for our police force to have that.
“So, if there is one and Volkswagen is asking for that to happen, then I think that’s how it works.”
And now here is what has to be kept in mind, according to Preston.
“It’s a high-security plant and they (Volkswagen) want to make sure it’s covered.”
What exactly are we inviting into our backyard, then?
“I don’t believe so, but it was one of the things Volkswagen was asking, was it available, like all of our safety measures, fire and police.”
Is this plant a possible terrorist risk? Are the components of these EV batteries an attractive target for a terrorist group?
Is the plant particularly prone to a major industrial accident?
While Preston stressed the two St. Thomas Police chiefs were involved in the Toronto discussions, there is a substantial difference between sitting at the table and being told “here is the game plan, thank you for coming,” and, “thank you for coming and we welcome your input.”
Roskamp told us on Monday of this week, his service has a good working relationship with the OPP and their tactical unit was called into the city in January for the targeted shooting on Palm Street.
Does Preston agree with Volkswagen’s security assessment of the massive operation to be located at the north end of the industrial park?
“I don’t believe so, but it was one of the things Volkswagen was asking, was it available, like all of our safety measures, fire and police.”
Would a tactical unit be based at this new OPP station 24/7?
Would members be dedicated to the plant or would the unit be available for calls throughout SW Ontario?
If so, why is the requirement for such a station to be no more than 2.5 kilometres from the plant?
It’s early in the planning process but we do have a call in to OPP West Region for comment.
Preston added when St. Thomas assumed responsibility for the 1,500-acre site earlier this year, “our police and fire took over jurisdiction at that point and are still having it.”
“You’ve got to be able to provide this much to this spot. I just take it as part of that whole action list Volkswagen brought forward when they were looking at the site.”
Yes, but in the case of police, it is for a limited time only in the case of the EV battery plant.
According to Preston, the city’s Number 2 fire station on Burwell Road lies within a 2.5 km radius of the gigafactory and so St. Thomas firefighters would answer any call for service.
“I think it (the plant) is close enough to the Redman station and the thought is we have to have maybe a greater ability out of the Redman station (named in honour of Capt. Dennis Redman who died fighting an apartment fire at 200 Chestnut Street on January 5, 2001) and perhaps some other equipment but that’s the conversations that are taking place.”
Would the financial responsibility for that other equipment lie with Volkswagen, the province or St. Thomas ratepayers?
Speaking with St. Thomas Fire Chief Dave Gregory in April he advised, “As far as resources and stuff go, I’m unsure at this time because I haven’t seen a footprint or layout of any sort. But, it’s what we do. We have Magna, we have Presstran.
“All the equipment we have, the manpower and the training we do, we’re prepared for anything they will bring to us.”
Preston added there are hundreds of details that have yet to be worked out with Volkswagen and the province.
“From Hydro One we need this much power to exactly this spot. It’s the same type of thing with servicing from the City of St. Thomas.
“You’ve got to be able to provide this much to this spot. I just take it as part of that whole action list Volkswagen brought forward when they were looking at the site.”
This also includes road infrastructure projects like the extension of the Hwy. 3 bypass east from Centennial Avenue to Yarmouth Centre Road and the Hwy. 3 bypass north of Talbotville.
As far as we can determine, Preston knew about the policing situation early in the new year, so when was the decision going to be made public?
Because our phone call this week sure seemed to catch the mayor off guard.
Is this a case of political expediency, especially when you factor in upcoming police contract negotiations later this year?
And how many other surprises will emerge in the coming months and years?
FROM THE BEEHIVE
Still with the gigafactory, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the city’s Industrial Development Team, has developed an online update video series entitled From The Beehive, a reference to the city’s railway heritage with beehive being a slang term for a railroad yard office.
According to a media release, the series will offer “mini updates about the mega site, inviting folks to understand the project better as it unfolds and learn about industrial development along the way. Features may include background information regarding public meetings or particularly interesting parts of the process.” You can catch the videos here From the Beehive – mini update, mega site (st-thomas.org)
HOPE IS NOT DIMMED DESPITE FUNDING SETBACK
When the ceremonial shovels broke ground at 21 Kains Street back in May, the only missing piece in the Project Tiny Hope puzzle was federal funding.
Friday afternoon (July 14), word came down that the housing grant was not approved.
The financial ask had been $6.7 million.
The total project cost of the ambitious undertaking – which YWCA executive director Lindsay Rice refers to as “more than just housing, it’s a new beginning” – comes in at $14.7 million.
In a statement, Rice advised, “CMHC did not select Project Tiny Hope for a Rapid Housing Initiative grant, but the YWCA and project partners Doug Tarry Homes and Sanctuary Homes are not letting that slow them down!”
The brownfield site the Project Tiny Hope partners stood on that May morning will accommodate 40 tiny homes, a program house, play areas resident gardens and green space. The first 10 residents are scheduled to move in by the end of next year.
“Hope continues to drive their vision to make affordable housing a reality. Now more than ever we are calling to our community, local businesses and foundations for support.”
Rice continued, “Although this is not the news we wanted, we are enthusiastic about our next steps to re-align our funding strategy to meet our goal of building affordable housing for youth at risk of homelessness, supports for women with young families, and connections for seniors living on their own.”
Doug Tarry added, “while we are disappointed with CMHC’s decision, we recognize it is a reflection of how great the need is for safe, efficient, affordable housing across the country.
“We look forward to engaging with our builder peers, suppliers and trades as we work toward realizing our vision of Tiny Hope as a community-based project addressing these affordability challenges.”
In the meantime, Rice confirmed the YWCA will continue to fundraise and meet with donors, foundations, businesses, and all levels of government for contributions to the campaign.
She reminded us that “Hope continues to drive their vision to make affordable housing a reality.
“Now more than ever we are calling to our community, local businesses and foundations for support.
“Every dollar counts whether that be through a gift-in-kind, third-party event, providing shares or stocks or through a corporate contribution. We are so grateful to the community for their ongoing support and proud to have so many generous donors.”
To donate to Project Tiny Hope, visit https://ywcaste.ca/project-tiny-hope/
Related posts:
Project Tiny Hope: ‘More than just housing, it’s a new beginning’
STATUS QUO ON CENTRE STREET
In a report to council for Monday’s (July 17) meeting, staff recommends the four-way stops on Centre Street at Princess Avenue and Elgin Street remain as such during the reconstruction of Talbot Street.
Based on 2017 traffic counts, Centre Street was averaging 2,400 vehicles per day, Elgin Street (4,000) and Princess Avenue (6,050) which did not warrant all-way stops at those intersections.
The all-way stops were put in place back in May due to an uptick in collisions along Centre Street as a result of the increased traffic volume.
Staff will report back to council with an updated traffic count once Talbot Street reconstruction is completed in the fall to determine whether the four-way stops remain in place.
On a related note, council received a petition last month requesting a reduction in speed to 40 km/h along William Street and the installation of ‘school bus stop ahead’ signs.
Staff recommends neither be implemented.
In the case of the school bus signs, staff point out there are no sight line limitations on William Street that would hinder motorist stopping distances.
OUR OWN DOMED STADIUM OF SORTS
Members of city staff are exploring the possibility of a year-round tennis/pickleball facility at Pinafore Park.
This would involve the use of an air-supported dome for use between October and April and require a lease agreement with a third-party operator who would be responsible for construction costs along with maintenance and operating expenses.
The facility would be available to any city resident willing to pay fees with local players/programs having preference for bookings.
In a report to council for Monday’s meeting, it is noted “Staff have interviewed three other municipalities and tennis clubs that have entered into similar lease agreements. All have reported that the agreements and dealings with the leaseholders have been positive.”
The Pinafore Tennis Club, St. Thomas Pickleball Club and Railway City Pickleball League have been consulted. All groups have given their full support to proceed with the Request for Proposal.
If you remember, some years ago a large air-supported dome was on site at Greenhills Country Club south of Lambeth where indoor soccer games were played over the winter.
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