The population of Gibsons is ticking towards 5,000.
That’s a significant number for communities because once they hit that number they are responsible for most of their own policing costs.
The latest estimate from BC Stats put Gibsons population at 4,943.
In an effort to get out in front of it, the mayor is establishing a committee that will look at ways to manage the transition.
For communities with less than 5,000 people, the province pays 70 per cent of policing costs but recovers a portion of the costs from municipalities through a police tax levy, with Ottawa paying the remaining 30 per cent.
But for communities that have populations between 5,000 and 14,999, the municipality must assume responsibility for police services within their boundaries and pay 70 per cent of the costs, with Ottawa continuing to pick up the remaining 30 per cent.
