Ottawa Police Services Board report recommends drafting 2022 police budget with zero per cent funding hike
The Ottawa Police Service will draft its 2022 operating budget with a zero per cent increase in funding, as the service faces calls from some councillors and the community to freeze spending.
A report for the Ottawa Police Services Board asks members for "formal confirmation" to direct the service to draft a 2022 budget "that assumes a zero per cent increase as its base."
The motion from Chief Peter Sloly says the budget must include a "detailed explanation of any additional funding beyond the zero per cent required to ensure the provision of adequate and effective policing in the city of Ottawa in 2022."
The budget will also outline any related inflationary and/or collective bargaining increases.
The report submitted by Chief Sloly also directs staff to provide a detailed option plan for investments in 2022 and beyond that will lead to the "optimal allocation of current resources to match workload and the effective engagement of community assets."
Last November, the board passed a motion that the Ottawa Police Finance and Audit Committee strike a working group to determine how the 2022 Ottawa Police Service budget could be reduced or frozen at 2021 levels. If achieved, the board's motion would represent a zero per cent police tax levy increase in the OPS budget in 2022.
In July, a report for the Ottawa Police Services Board warned a budget freeze in 2022 would result in the elimination of 140 officers, longer response times and the suspension of all recruiting, hiring and promotions. Staff said a zero per cent increase in the Ottawa Police levy on the property tax bill would result in a $13.5 million deficit.
Staff said even if police received a three per cent increase in the police levy, the service would still be facing a $2.3 million deficit in 2022.
The report for Monday's board meeting says there are two major areas beyond the control of the Ottawa Police Service that will impact the draft budget: Inflationary issues placing pressures on operations and budgets and contract talks with the Ottawa Police Association and Senior Officer's Association, "which are expected to have a significant impact on the budget."
"Regardless, the OPS will continue to try optimally allocate resources and effectively engage community partners reduce service demands while improving service delivery," said Sloly.
Ottawa City Council approved the 2022 budget directions in July, which included a three per cent increase in the police levy next year.
Councillors Shawn Menard and Catherine McKenney introduced a motion calling for a zero per cent increase in the police levy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.