Cost of policing in Kingston expected to climb after budget approval

The 2026 budget approved by the police services board sees a 6 percent jump mostly to cover salaries.

The proposed police budget could put a dent into any plans to keep property tax increases in Kingston to a minimum.

The police services board last week approved the 2026 operational budget of $57 million. That is a six percent jump from the 2025 police budget.

Mayor Bryan Paterson, who also serves as vice-chair on the board, says it has been a difficult task in trying to strike a balance.

Approximately 90 percent of the operational budget goes towards salaries and wages of front line officers and civilian staff.

Paterson says other police forces across Canada are facing the same problems Kingston is having.

Many of the officers are currently on leave for a variety of reasons including, not the least of which, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Paterson says part of the budget crunch is trying to hire more officers to replace those who are absent.

Another $2.3 million will be going towards capital expenditures like new cruisers, information technology equipment, and others.

The budget will be presented to Council during 2026 budget deliberations.

Story by Ken Hashizume