The Brantford Police Service presented its 2026 draft operating and capital budget at Monday’s (Dec. 01) Estimates Committee meeting, highlighting frontline visibility, modernization, crime-prevention programming, and officer wellness as central priorities for the year ahead.
Chief Jason Saunders told councillors the document remains a draft pending review by the Police Services Board, noting the figures could still be adjusted.
“We anticipate going back to the board in the coming days where we are presenting a finalized budget,” he said, adding he does not expect significant changes.
The proposed operating budget for 2026 totals $59.2 million, an 8.85% increase from 2025.
After assessment growth is applied, the increase stands at 7.14%.
More than $4 million of the $4.8 million increase is tied to employee compensation and contractual obligations.
Saunders said the budget reflects population growth, technology costs, including body-worn cameras and Next Generation 911 implementation, and compliance requirements under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act.
He added the service continues to work with the Solicitor General’s office to identify potential funding sources not yet reflected in the presented numbers.
The capital request for 2026 totals $2,097,900, funded through police reserves and development charges.
Major capital items include fleet replacement, marked vehicle changeover, body armour replacement, radio batteries, drone replacement, and further development of a Real Time Operations Centre.
The budget also includes $100,000 for frontline uniform replacement as the service transitions to a new design.
The service’s newly formed Chief’s Advisory Committee — comprised of eight community members — reviewed the draft budget earlier this year.
Their feedback emphasized four priorities: more high-school resource officers, retention and wellness supports for officers, increased community visibility, and clearer public communication and crime-prevention outreach.
Saunders said these recommendations helped shape the strategic direction of the draft plan.
For 2025, the police service operates on an approved budget of $54 million and is currently projecting a year-end surplus of approximately $466,000, though the chief cautioned that figure may narrow as the year closes.
Councillors sought clarification on uniform replacement and future operating impacts.
The chief confirmed 2026 represents a full service-wide refresh and that uniform replacements should shift into the operating budget in subsequent years.
Councillor Richard Carpenter asked whether the proposal would result in more officers on the street.
Saunders said that answer will depend on the final board-approved plan but emphasized that enhancements to frontline policing and neighbourhood visibility are intended.
Council approved the Brantford Police Service 2026 budget request 9–0.
