Glenn Thibeault opposes OPP decision to move helicopter base

OPP spokesperson Sgt. Carolle Dionne said the decision was the result of a review of operations. Not only will it save the force about $254,000 a year, it will allow the OPP to expand operating hours to 6 a.m.-midnight each day. Currently the normal hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

"It was an internal decision," Dionne said told NorthernLife.ca "It's the result of reviewing the service delivery and the needs of the organization."

There are three people in Sudbury affected by the move, and the OPP will no longer lease a hangar at the Sudbury Airport or contract out maintenance work on the helicopter. The OPP said no one is losing their jobs due to the relocation.

Thibeault has met with other Northern MPPs, and all agreed moving the helicopter base would put safety at risk in the region.

“We all know how tough and severe are winters can be across the North’ Thibeault said in a press release. “Residents often have to deal with lake effect snow and blizzard like conditions. So it’s crucial that an OPP chopper is on the ground locally, ready to take off and respond to emergencies.”