Chief Paul VandeGraaf has issued a statement on Cobourg Police Service’s 2026 Operational Budget estimates.
Each year, the Cobourg Police Service operational and capital budget estimates generate strong interest from the community. The service works in close partnership with the Cobourg Police Service Board to carefully review and scrutinize every dollar included in the annual estimates.
For 2026, the board approved an operational budget estimate reflecting a 20.5% increase ($1.6M), as part of a multi-year investment plan initiated in 2023 to meet legislative obligations under the new Community Safety and Policing Act. This investment supports the standard of policing the community expects.
This estimate ensures staff have the tools, resources, capacity and support needed to perform their duties safely and effectively.
One of the key cost drivers for the 2026 estimate is the impact of the board’s 2024 decision to reduce the 2025 budget increase by drawing additional funds from net Business Centre revenue to lessen the tax levy burden. This over-reliance on Business Centre funds in 2025 means the 2026 operational budget must now compensate to accurately reflect the true cost of police operations in Cobourg.
Had the 2025 budget not relied on one-time funding, this year’s increase would have been approximately 10%, driven by prior decisions, such as contractual obligations, staggered hiring and natural cost increases in areas such as insurance and fuel. There is nothing discretionary in this core-based budget.
At the board meeting on Tuesday, the board passed a motion to present the estimate, as is, to Cobourg council.
While some staffing shifts will occur due to contractual obligations, there are no new hires in 2026.
Wellness Initiatives:
Wellness programming is not only a contractual obligation through partnership with the Police
Associations, it is essential. Policing is a high-risk profession, and every call for service can leave a
lasting impact. These initiatives support both uniform and civilian members, helping prevent or
manage disability claims and facilitating reintegration following physical or psychological injury.
Investing in wellness is a proactive approach that reduces long-term costs and strengthens service
delivery.
V13 Policetech Accelerator:
The V13 Policetech Accelerator has proven to be a valuable asset. In 2024 alone, it helped secure over $1 million in provincial grant funding, under the Community and Safety and Policing list of priorities, enabling the expansion of critical programs like Street Crime and and M-HEART. These projects enhance community safety and modernize the approach to policing. The Accelerator also supports youth engagement and technological innovation in community safety, key pillars for our service.
Software Maintenance & IT:
Technology is foundational to modern policing. The increase in this budget category reflects the
expanded technology portfolio, which now includes automated licence plate readers, body-worn
cameras, and cloud-based records management systems. These platforms require robust
cybersecurity, ongoing support, and regular updates to remain effective and secure.
While acknowledging the proposed increase from $279K in 2025 to $344K in 2026, any significant
reduction in this area would risk compromising essential services. These technologies are not optional,
they are critical tools that support officer safety, enhance investigative capabilities, and ensure
compliance with modern policing standards.
Court Administration:
Court administration is a critical function, and as work demands have evolved, with shortened
timelines for disclosure and paperwork, court staff are doing more to ensure timely and successful
prosecutions. The Police Service, like all services in Ontario, are expected to work within timelines set
by other ministries.
Budget estimates are developed with transparency, accountability, and community
safety at the forefront. The increases seen in Cobourg are not unique. Police budgets across Ontario,
both municipal and provincial, are rising in response to evolving community needs and mandatory
regulatory changes.
Further Information:
• The agenda and livestream of the Cobourg Police Service Board Finance Committee Meeting held on October 23, 2025 are available on the Town of Cobourg’s website under the Council Meetings section.
• To view the 2026 Cobourg Police Service Budget Estimate slide deck, visit cobourgpoliceservice.com/police-service-board/.
• The October Cobourg Police Service Board meeting, held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, is available on the Town of Cobourg’s website under the Council Meetings section.
