---
title: "Ottawa Police Service faces $22 million budget shortfall in 2026"
description: "The Ottawa Police Service is projecting a $22 million operating deficit this year, driven by overtime costs and a major homicide investigation, according to a report going to the police services board on November 5."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/ottawa-police-budget-deficit-2026-10-30"
last_updated: "2026-10-30T13:48:26.255Z"
---

Ottawa Police Service is projecting a $22 million operating budget deficit in 2026, driven by overtime costs, the expense of a landfill homicide investigation and the cost of recruiting new officers, according to a staff report. CTV News Ottawa reported the figures on October 30 after obtaining the report.

The $414.9 million 2026 police budget included a five per cent increase in tax revenue. Staff say the service found $6.9 million in savings during the year, including $2.4 million cut from its overtime budget and a hiring freeze introduced in February. The deficit of $22 million remains after those savings.

## What is driving the shortfall

Overtime is the largest single pressure. The report projects a $10 million deficit in non-recoverable overtime for the year. Staff break that down as $1.7 million in overtime to maintain minimum staffing on the frontline, $1.6 million in court security costs and $1.5 million in overtime at the communications centre.

A homicide investigation at a landfill added $4.6 million in unplanned costs. A Special Constable pilot project cost $1.8 million more than budgeted. Recruiting new officers added $3 million in non-compensation costs, covering items such as psychological assessments and equipment. Fuel came in $1 million over budget.

## What comes next

The board's finance and audit committee is scheduled to receive this report and an update on the 2027 draft budget at its November 5, 2026 meeting.

Re-elected Mayor [Mark Sutcliffe](/on/ottawa-2026/candidates/mark-sutcliffe) campaigned on adding 200 police officers, 100 paramedics and 50 firefighters. The 2026 deficit exists before any of those additions. The November 5 meeting is the next public opportunity for elected officials and the public to question police service leadership on costs.

Residents who want to follow the 2027 budget process can watch or attend the Ottawa Police Services Board meeting on November 5. The meeting agenda is posted on the board's website.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/on/ottawa-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.