Wellington Ontario Provincial Police Operations Centre

Ted Arnott attended the Grand Opening of the Centre Wellington Ontario Provincial Police
Operations Centre, held April 29, 2011. His remarks were as follows:

Good afternoon everyone.

It’s great to be here, and great to see all of you.

But more than that, it’s always a real honour for me to be part of an event that honours the
Ontario Provincial Police.

And today we take another step forward in our outstanding relationship with our Province’s finest,
and our County.

Successive County Councils and County Staff members have recognized the benefit of
maintaining the contractual relationship with the OPP, ensuring that County residents have the
high standard of policing services they deserve.

It has worked very well, and our communities are safer because of this leadership and vision. We
were the model for the rest of the Province, and for that we should be proud.

And it’s hard to believe that it was just 50 weeks ago, May 14 last year, that we gathered here to
turn the ground for the new Operations Centre.

I remember that day well, most of all, because it was the last time I saw Hugh Guthrie. And how
happy he seemed to be part of the proceedings that day, as we all were.

In the intervening months, driving into “Greater Metropolitan” Aboyne, we saw the building begin
to take shape, then stand tall: representing a bulwark of strength, a symbol of order, and a source
of purposeful service.

A building fit for its inhabitants, in fact a perfect fit.

A building which exemplifies the character of those who will work in it.

A bulwark of strength, a symbol of order, and a source of purposeful service.

On behalf of the Province of Ontario, I want to again express my appreciation to the Ontario
Provincial Police, for your professionalism, your team work, and most of all, your courage.

Your job is always challenging, at times thankless, and sometimes dangerous.

But we look to you in times of trouble. In your response, you never fail us. And because of this,
we should never miss a chance to show our gratitude.

As long as I’m privileged to serve in the Legislature, I will want to be the first to say thank you to
the Ontario Provincial Police.

And today in closing, I add my congratulations on this new Operations Centre, to all who were
involved, the County, the builders, the OPP, everyone here who had a role:

And wish you continued success in all that you do for us.