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PAGE 8 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MARCH 26,2003 www.durhamregion.com Policing costs escalate to get more cops Durham council approved increase of $10 million in police spending over last year BY JACQUIE MclNNES Staff Writer DURHAM - Nine years ago, Durham taxpayers paid $50.7 million million to police their streets; today they pay almost double that. When Durham council approved the 2003 budget earlier this month, it gave the OK to $100.5 million to be directed to police spending, up almost almost $10 million from last year's Your tax dollar$ at work $91.1 million budget. That increase accounts for about half the average increase of $73 on the regional portion of the bill each Durham property taxpayer can expect expect this year. And Durham motorists with a penchant for speeding might want to note that money will be spent putting more officers on the streets to target aggressive drivers so if you have a lead fool, it could cost you even more. The force will get 18 new police officers and 16 civilian support workers and will pay an additional $2.5 million in salary and benefit increases increases for the remainder of its approximately approximately 1,000 staff members. Eight other officer positions, approved approved but deferred in 2002, will also be added. Last year, when police received an increase of about 11 per cent on its budget for largely the same reason, reason, Chief Kevin McAlpine said the force is playing catchup for years of undermanned service. "We are in a better position for staff than five years ago thanks to this council," he said. "But are we at an ideal level? Far from it. Certainly, in terms of our staffing, we're not pushing the envelope here," he said. The goal is to have one officer for every 750 people in Durham Region and that goal will have been met early this year, says Dave Selby, director director of corporate communications for the force. Durham's contingent is about the same per capita as other GTA forces though it still pales in comparison to Toronto's contingent, which is closer to one in 500. Frontline Frontline officers and support staff make up 94 per cent of the police force, with senior management accounting for less than three per cent and sergeants and desk sergeants making up about 4 per cent of the complement. complement. The focus this year continues to be on front-line officers, traffic safety, safety, youth issues and gangs, says Chief McAlpine. Residents were expecting a school and park to back onto their properties RESIDENTS from page 1 back onto the school and park setting," setting," says Brian Ncilsen, one of several Wcstside Drive residents who spoke at Monday's public meeting. "Thus our lots were presented presented to us by the Knitlin Group as- premium lots." It was a "major factor (that) greatly influenced our decision to purchase homes in this area," he says. The new proposed plans show the Catholic elementary school and park shifting to the west, with homes to be built backing onto Westside Drive. The information provided to homebuyers at the sales office wasn't wasn't incorrect, but was accurate based on what was available at the time, says Kelvin Whalen, Kaitlin Group's vice-president of land development. development. "I don't think it was misinformation misinformation from the standpoint that it was- what was current," says Mr. Whalen, noting original plans did show the school and park backing onto the Westside Drive residents' backyards, backyards, but that those plans weren't etched in stone. A different landowner submitted the original plan. The newer version, version, which came forward Monday, included modifications made after Kaitlin Group had purchased the property, says Clarington Planning David Cromc: Newer plan helped address some planning issues. Director David Cromc. The modifications modifications helped address some planning planning issues that existed in the original original plan, he notes. Still, Mr. Whalen, his company, along with municipal staff, can revisit revisit the proposed change, to see if a plan more palatable to residents might be developed. "We're not married to this plan," he says. Staff will review the plan with the Kaitlin Group, with a report coming back to council in coming months, says Mr. Crome. Marine 'excited' and 'nervous' about combat MARINE from page 1 the situation has arisen I'm sort of excited and I feel sort of nervous in a way I have never felt before (it's sort of hard to explain)," he says in a Jan. 8 e-mail. "I'm totally confident in myself and 'my unit, I love what I do, and I'm ready to go." His son has always been enthusiastic enthusiastic about his job, says Mr. Patter son. "That's why he chose the U.S.," says the Newcastle father, noting there are about 6,000 Canadians in the U.S. armed forces. "He wanted to be active, see action." Still, the phone call in which Lance-Cpl. Patterson announced to his parents he would be going to the Middle East "was a shock, but it wasn't a shock," says Mrs. Patterson. "He's doing the job lie was trained to do," she says. "It's not necessarily what he entered the military military for. Nobody thought it was going to happen." Before he left, the lance-corporal warned his parents they might npt be able to contact him. "He said once the war starts, we would not hear from him for five or six weeks," says Mr. Patterson. Still, his son "told us to keep writing," in case mail from home was able to get through to soldiers. The Pattersons are also attempting attempting to get information on their son through family support networks at U.S. bases. "We're having a hard time finding the right person" to answer questions, questions, says Mr. Patterson. The massive media coverage of the war is stressful, adds Mr. Patterson. Patterson. Still, "We can't stay away from it. We have to watch. It is stressful. I find it hard to sleep sometimes, not knowing what he's doing." But, in spite of the stress and worry, both parents say they are "very proud" of their son. "I wish I had dual citizenship too, so I could fight side-by-side with my son," says Mr. Patterson. Taking action on climate change Together, we can do it. How many Canadians does it take to change a light bulb? One. Whether it's switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, turning down the thermostat or reducing car idling, every one of us can do our part. These arc just some of the many ways to reduce energy use and the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Help preserve our environment and dean air, and save money, too. I he ClimiUc Change Plan for Canada calls on all Canadians to reduce individual greenhouse gas emissions by 20% or about one tonne per person. Take the one tonne challenge. To find out more, call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232), TTY 1 800 465-7735 or visit climatechange.gc.ca. Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada Canada