Signed, sealed and soon to be delivered.
According to documents obtained by Metro, Mayor Dave Bronconnier put his signature on a deal Aug. 26 that confirms provincial funding for 123 additional police officers, at a total cost of $12.3 million, or $100,000 each.
The deal is contingent on maintaining full authorized strength in 2010 and 2011, and maintaining that service level through to 2013.
Council debated the pre-approval of the police budget prior to summer break, with potential provincial funding overshadowing that debate — but news of the deal was welcomed.
“Now we’ve sent that strong and clear message that yes, policing is still the No. 1 priority for citizens of Calgary,” said Ward 8 Ald. John Mar, who sat on the city’s police commission.
Calgary Police Association president John Dooks said it’s a victory for public safety. “The (provincial) funding was one reason we fought to maintain the policing budget,” he said.
