Policing costs could jump another 11 per cent

By John Miner

South Huron municipal council has been advised it could be looking at paying as much as 11 per cent more for OPP policing in 2027.

Coming in at nearly four times the current rate of inflation, the increase would push policing costs for South Huron to more than $2.3 million, up from $2.1 million this year.

The money for the Ontario Provincial Police service comes from property taxes. The bill for 2026 was also an 11 per cent hike over the previous year.

In a letter to municipal councils that contract OPP services, Ontario solicitor general Michael Kerzner said no OPP-policed municipality will see its total amount owed increase by more than 11 per cent compared to 2026, excluding costs associated with any additional policing services a municipality has chosen to receive through a separate agreement with the OPP.

Kerzner said the cap is a time-limited measure for the 2027 OPP billing cycle, intended to provide municipalities with cost certainty to support local budget planning.

The OPP is currently preparing billing statements for 2027. Those statements are expected to be given to municipalities this fall, Kerzner said.

“We value the important partnership between the province, municipalities and the OPP in keeping Ontario communities safe. We also recognize the importance of ensuring policing costs are sustainable and predictable for municipalities, and we will continue working with our municipal partners on these shared priorities.”

Coun. Ted Oke said it appears from Kerzner’s letter that South Huron will be looking at an increase of about 11 per cent.

“That kind of increase on a $2-million budget is a big number. I think we should be voicing our concern in some way, shape or form,” Oke said at the Sept. 8 council meeting.

Council has asked staff to prepare a report on policing costs, including a possible resolution to be voted on.

Last year, South Huron council considered dipping into a $303,000 reserve fund to soften the property tax increase for policing.

In the end, the idea was rejected on advice from staff that the reserve should be preserved for future use, if possible, given the significant anticipated increases in the years to come.