Mark Crowell, Chief of Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), Ian McLean, Chair of the Waterloo Regional Police Service Board, and Kirsten Hand, Director, Finance and Assets Branch with WRPS, provided a presentation to the Committee on the WRPS budget for 2026, outlining the major aspects of the 2024-2027 strategic business plan. I. McLean elaborated on the staffing levels and population demographics informing the operating budget decisions at the board level. M. Crowell provided information on the operating dimensions of the police service based on existing crime data within the Region. He elaborated on the necessity for the proposed communications facility and the ongoing plans for that capital project. K. Hand added further details to the capital and operating estimates and associated tax impacts. She spoke to the asset renewal program as well as the status of various funds and reserves.
In reply to a question from the Committee, M. Crowell spoke to the impacts to staffing and operations due to the recent changes in legislation related to municipal speed cameras. M. Crowell indicated that he cannot say for certain the impact of the removal of automated speed enforcement in general, but that specialized police officers may have a diminished capacity to deal with other duties due to having to be utilized for road and speed enforcement.
Responding to questions, M. Crowell spoke to the implementation of new technology for the purposes of modernization. He spoke to the necessity for infrastructure improvements. K. Hand indicated that a design consultant has been hired for the proposed communications center, and funding from upper levels of government has not been pursued. M. Crowell indicated that most facilities for WRPS currently do not meet the capacity needs. K. Hand provided that there would be an impact of $5 million per year increase for the capital program if the communication center project were to be delayed. Due to disaster relief requirement for the specific nature of the project, the project has complexities which impact the nuances of the project and the ability to delay. K. Hand spoke to changs in the timeline which altered the quantities for the project year-over-year.
Replying to a question from the Committee, K. Hand confirmed that a 1% increase in the police budget is equivalent to approximately $2.5 million. She elaborated on the overall budget process and constant reviews conducted, including the requirement of a business case for any increase requested. K. Hand confirmed that the WRPS has been working with Jennifer Rose, Commissioner, Engineering & Environmental Services, and her team regarding facility capacity, renewal, and security.
In response to a question from the Committee, M. Crowell indicated that there have been discussions surrounding the deployment of special constables in comparison to sworn officers. M. Crowell added that more information could be sent to Council for consideration of staffing, and that the report associated with the communications center and its costs could be circulated.
In reply to a question from the Committee, M. Crowell elaborated on the strategies focused on rural community safety.
Responding to questions, K. Hand provided further clarity to the contributions to reserves in relation to the 10-year capital forecast.
Replying to a question from the Committee, M. Crowell indicated it is a possibility to be explored that certain services could be explored by the Region to be procured by a different provider.