On December 11, 2025, the Guelph Police Service Board will hold an open meeting at its headquarters (15 Wyndham Street South) to review and consider the 2025 operating budget, staffing plans and updates to its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. The public agenda is available on the Guelph Police events calendar.
The Board will consider a proposed 7.97 per cent increase to the police operating budget, a request presented by Chief Gord Cobey to address rising call volumes and staffing shortages. The budget package asks for funding to add six sworn officers in 2025; the Service’s multi-year staffing plan also outlines a phased approach to add up to 32 new staff (a mix of constables and civilian roles) over the coming years to help maintain response times and support downtown safety.
Although the Service reported a six-figure operating surplus overall this year (largely due to unfilled positions), paid overtime was approximately $627,000 over budget — a pressure the Service says results from current officers working extra shifts to cover gaps. The Board, led by Chair Peter McSherry and Vice-Chair Ajay Sharma, will weigh these service pressures alongside the City’s confirmed 2025 tax levy impact (6.78%) and recent directions from Council to seek cost efficiencies.
Residents can attend the meeting in person at 15 Wyndham Street South, or via a link when posted on the events calendar. Members of the public wishing to speak should submit written notice (the Board’s by-law generally requires a minimum of four days’ written notice) to the Board’s Executive Assistant, Leslie LaCelle, at board@guelphpolice.ca or by calling 519-824-1212 ext. 7213. Note that any budget the Board confirms would still proceed to City Council for final approval.
