Police budget blowback prompts rally outside regional headquarters
Posted Nov 29, 2023 02:13:03 PM.
Last Updated Nov 30, 2023 10:54:01 AM.
There’s some pushback on a proposed increase to the police budget in Waterloo Region.
Several community groups, including the Unsheltered Campaign and GroundUp WR, are calling on regional councillors to reject a proposed $14-million increase for Waterloo Regional Police next year. They also don’t want to see any additional money flow to the police service for the next five years.
The demonstration’s organizers want the money to be redirected to community services instead, citing the housing crisis and growing homelessness.
The rally has a message of ‘Waterloo Region Can’t Afford Business As Usual’ and is set to begin Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. outside regional headquarters at 150 Frederick Street.
It will coincide with council budget talks and a public input committee meeting, set to begin at 6 p.m.
Waterloo Regional Police have requested the $14.4-million budget increase to cover costs associated with rising inflation, benefits, and for the hiring of more officers.
If approved, the police budget would total just over $228.4-million.
The 2024 budget for the Region of Waterloo, which includes funding for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, will be up for final approval from councillors in mid-December.
