That includes adding storefronts, or offices in Niagara Falls and Welland, as well as St. Catharines
A long-term plan lasting beyond 2033 has been approved by Niagara Regional police services board.
That could include storefront police offices in downtown Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines, but also expanding headquarters in Niagara Falls.
Chief Bill Fordy acknowledged the region faces ever-mounting financial strain. "Kicking it down the road at a time when our emergency services are busier than they've ever been. The nature of crime is continuing to become more dangerous for our first responders, the nature of gun calls."
The NRP's finance director Lauro Rullo said continued delays will only make things worse financially, and they continue to set millions of dollars aside to plan.
The plan also includes hiring more officers.
Board member Kevin Gibson agreed delaying the plan will be costly. "If we start building delays in, we'll be even further behind, because I'm sure there'll be delays that'll pop up through the region, and finances, so we don't want to self impose any delays in my mind."
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