The CAO in the Village of Chase says she isn’t sure how a proposed $10 million cut by the BC RCMP will affect the local RCMP detachment.

Joni Heinrich says like all municipalities under 5,000 people, the village pays 30 per cent of its policing costs, and she says village council will be looking for more information.

“What we understand is some of the discretionary type programs will unfortunately probably be affected, and over time and travel and that kind of thing, and possibly some training, which is unfortunate,” she said. “But we’re not sure sure exactly specifically how it’s going to affect Chase.”

Heinrich believes the Chase RCMP detachment is either at or very close to being fully staffed. But she says given the size of the area they cover, the RCMP could likely use some more members.

“The North Shuswap, just to get there takes 20, 30, 40 minutes driving time because there is only one way in and one way out,”Heinrich told NL. “So it is a challenge definitely. Geographically speaking it’s a big challenge for our members.”

She expects discussions with the RCMP to take place fairly soon.

“I did have a brief discussion with our mayor yesterday and he wants to have a chat with our detachment Sergeant and see if he has any other indication at this point in time if there is anything specific that we need to be concerned about,” Heinrich said.

Municipalities with populations greater that 5,000 people pay 70 per cent of their policing costs.

The mayor of Ashcroft previously told NL News that she doesn’t expect these budget cuts to affect her community at this point.