The Ottawa Police Service is projecting at least a $21-million deficit this year despite seeing the largest increase in more than a decade. In a report for the Ottawa Police Board’s Finance and Audit Committee, Ottawa police said unplanned protests and demonstrations are among the reasons they are facing a budget deficit this year. The board’s chair Salim Fakirani says the report is a quarterly one which helps the board understand the services operational pressures. “It’s a real check-in,” explains Fakirani. The report shows the Ottawa Police is facing a projected deficit between $21 million and $25 million in 2026. The largest financial pressures include $10 million dollars in “non-recoverable overtime” which Fakirani says includes policing for things such as unplanned protests. “It’s really important that we don’t lose sight of the public safety aspect, when we are considering the budget.” says Fakirani. “And so, these expenses are part and parcel of that that we have to plan for.” The report also cites other factors for the budget shortfall, including $3.6 million in employee benefits and $1 million in rising fuel prices. In 2026, the Ottawa Police Service received the largest budget increase it had seen in 15 years. Some groups say this latest deficit shows there should be more oversight. “Clearly, the police aren’t good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” says Sam Hersh of Horizon Ottawa. The budget for 2026 sits at $414.9 million, and Hersh says after multiple years of deficit budgets there should be a budget freeze and a review. “We need candidates in this election who will commit to, you know, do things like freezing the police budget because it’s clear that the police can’t do that on their own,” he explains. The $21-million deficit is currently a projection. The board says a plan is underway to review spending for future budgets to avoid deficits. “Look at some long-range financial planning,” says Fakirani. “And the Ottawa Police Service is totally on side for that. So, we’re not just doing one year off budgets, but we’re actually planning, you know, three, four years out concrete planning on what type of expenses are realistic.” The report shows the police have found $8.9 million in savings this year which includes a salary and hiring freeze. The board’s Finance and Audit Committee will discuss the budget deficit and possible strategies to address it on Aug. 7.
