The latest Ottawa police report into its expected 2026 budget expects a $21.8 million deficit, with overtime costs again taking up nearly half of that.
The third-quarter report covering July, August and September will be tabled at an Ottawa police services board committee meeting on Friday, Nov. 6.
The anticipated shortfall changes little from the $21.6 million deficit projected about three months ago, and would be an improvement on the $28.9 deficit in 2025.
Deficits were around the $10 million range at the start of this decade.
Once again, overtime is a major factor. The report from the chief’s office says Ottawa police expect a $10-million pressure from overtime “to meet the needs of the organization and the community to ensure adequate and effective policing.”
Front-line policing accounts for the single greatest overtime pressure, followed by court security and the communications centre. Ottawa police paid out $11.2 million in overtime last year.
Other costs contributing to the deficit include $4.6 million for an unspecified landfill search that was part of a homicide investigation, and about $3 million for recruiting and onboarding new hires. Another $1 million is blamed on increased fuel costs.
Working toward balance
The report said police are continuing their “spending restraint” plan started in February, which has saved millions of dollars by scaling back some overtime leaving some positions vacant, among other measures.
That approach has saved the force about $9 million, while they continue to look for another $2.2 in savings.
Police are also developing a long-range financial plan through 2036, and are planning an efficiency review.
The police board’s finance and audit committee meeting is also expected to include an update on the 2027 budget timeline.
The next city budget will be one of the first major tasks for Ottawa’s new city council once members are sworn in.