Several municipalities in Eastern Ontario, including Hawkesbury, fear a further increase in the costs of the Ontario Provincial Police after an increase of 20 to 30% last year.
Despite a one-time assistance of $77 million in 2024, the province is now proposing to cap the increase at 11 per cent for 2025-2026. Mayors consider this ceiling still too high and fear budget delays, especially in Hawkesbury.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario believes that the proposed adjustments do not solve the fundamental problem of rising police costs.