The Ottawa Police Service Board has given its stamp of approval to a proposed operating budget for 2026, setting the stage for a significant funding increase for the city's police force. The draft budget, which now advances to Ottawa City Council for a final decision, calls for base funding of $414.9 million next year.
Budget Breakdown and Financial Implications
This new figure represents a substantial jump of $26.1 million, or approximately five per cent, over previous funding levels. The vast majority of the proposed budget, a full 85 per cent, is earmarked for officer and staff compensation. Another eight per cent is allocated for materials, supplies, and essential services.
The remaining funds are divided between the capital budget and debt (four per cent) and capital chargeback expenses, such as maintaining the radio system (three per cent). Notably, this draft operating budget does not include an additional $5.4 million in one-time funding from the city's tax stabilization reserve, which is intended to support specific strategic projects like the body-worn camera pilot program.
Alignment with City Priorities and Community Feedback
Police Chief Eric Stubbs presented the budget to the board, emphasizing that it reflects the operational challenges facing the service, the fiscal pressures on the City of Ottawa, and the community's evolving safety needs. "We're proud of the budget we're putting forward," Stubbs stated, adding that it aims to advance the board's strategic priorities and address concerns raised by residents and stakeholders.
The police budget aligns with the city's broader draft financial plan, which proposes a property tax increase of 3.75 per cent. If passed, this would add an estimated $166 to the annual tax bill for an average Ottawa household.
Mayor's Focus on Public Safety and Stability
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has framed the 2026 budget as one focused on "stability" and a "balanced approach." The plan increases funding for police and emergency services while also investing in public transit and initiatives to combat youth homelessness. The police budget approval follows Sutcliffe's recent announcement of enhanced public safety investments, including a $1 million pilot project to hire private security guards in the ByWard Market to address concerns about open-air drug use and low-level crime.
This approved draft is notably lower than an initial recommendation from August, which suggested a potential increase of up to 6.5 per cent. The board's decision sets the final proposal on a path toward council deliberation, where the significant funding package for Ottawa's police service will be scrutinized and voted upon.
