The Windsor Police Service Board has given its official stamp of approval to the proposed 2026 operating budget, which calls for a 4.16 percent increase over the previous year's spending plan. The decision was made during a board meeting on Friday, November 21, 2025, moving the financial proposal one step closer to implementation.
Board Chair Jo-Anne Gignac confirmed the budget was passed as requested and will now proceed to Windsor City Council for the final approval. She emphasized that rising police budget costs are a provincial trend, stating, "That's what it costs to keep our community safe."
Breaking Down the Budget Numbers
The net budget for the 2026 fiscal year is set at $122,849,892, reflecting an increase driven by significant financial pressures. Deputy Chief Karel DeGraaf, who presented the budget report to the board, described the proposal as "responsible" and "forward-looking," crucial for protecting the progress the service has made.
A staggering 90 percent of the budget is allocated to salaries and benefits for police personnel. The requested net increase for salary and wage adjustments alone totals $2.2 million. This includes a cumulative salary increase of $1.7 million, other pay increases of $508,000, and a corresponding fringe benefit increase of $587,000.
Key Drivers Behind the Increase
Several major factors contributed to the budget's growth. Contractual obligations from the 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreements with the Windsor Police Association mandate a 1.2 percent pay increase on January 1, 2026, followed by an additional one percent increase on July 1, 2026.
Other significant pressures include the ongoing transition to the new Community Safety and Policing Act, major external contractual and inflationary pressures, and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Deputy Chief DeGraaf also noted that overtime costs continue to strain the budget as the demand for police services in the community grows, though all efforts are being made to mitigate its use.
The budget now moves to Windsor City Council for final deliberation and approval, determining the final funding for the police service in the coming year.
