Kingston City Council will host a public briefing on the local police budget at 7:00 PM on April 7, 2026, at the City Council chambers. This meeting offers residents a chance to learn more about the proposed $57.3 million operating budget for the Kingston Police and provide feedback on spending priorities.
The proposed police budget reflects a 5.97 per cent increase over the 2025 budget of $54.1 million. This funding request is part of the city’s broader financial plan, which includes a total 3.75 per cent property tax increase. Of that tax increase, 1.4 per cent is dedicated to external agencies like the police force, while the remaining 2.35 per cent goes toward general municipal services, such as road repairs and supportive housing.
According to the Kingston Police Service Board, the budget increase is driven by rising costs for training and equipment mandated by the Community Safety and Policing Act, which came into effect in April 2024. Financial reports also highlighted that long-term staff absences cost the force $4.4 million in 2025, although officials noted that staffing levels are now beginning to stabilize. Currently, [UNVERIFIED] officers are on leave due to mental health issues and claims with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
This session follows a 2023 city council motion that requires the police service to provide quarterly financial reports to increase transparency. The meeting also comes as the police force undergoes a leadership change following the retirement of former Chief Scott Fraser on December 31, 2025. New Chief Adam MacIntosh, who began his role on January 20, 2026, has identified officer mental health and the implementation of body-worn cameras as key priorities for the service.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting at City Hall to share their thoughts on how police funding affects city services.
