Summerside City Council will meet on April 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall Council Chambers to review departmental updates, including progress reports from local police, fire, and recreation services.
The session comes as the city moves forward with its 2026-27 budget, which includes $26.7 million in capital investments without increasing property taxes. Mayor Dan Kutcher has described these financial plans as a way of investing in local working families and older adults.
Public safety remains a focal point for the city. The budget provides $400,000 to hire one additional officer for the Summerside Police Services, bringing the total staff to 39. Councillor Carrie Adams, who serves as Chair of the Emergency Services Committee, supported the increase and stated that safety is foremost for residents. These personnel updates follow the May 2025 appointment of Police Chief Jason Blacquiere, who took over leadership after the 45-year career of former chief Sinclair Walker.
The police department continues to navigate a rise in non-crime calls related to mental health and homelessness, a trend highlighted in a 2025 assessment. Chief Blacquiere has previously noted that such issues often fall to police to address simply because they are highly visible to the community.
The city is also investing in fire and community facilities. Construction is expected to start in 2026 on a new $11 million fire services facility. Fire Chief Ron Enman, who oversees the current two stations, will see the new building replace the aging Station 1. Additionally, $850,000 has been set aside for ongoing parks and recreation improvements.
