WRPS finalize spending plan ahead of regional budget vote
Posted Dec 11, 2025 04:10:01 PM.
Last Updated Dec 11, 2025 04:12:30 PM.
Ratepayers in Waterloo Region now have a good idea what the policing portion of their regional property tax bill will look like.
The Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) board is asking for $272.6-million, which represents a 7.98 per cent increase or roughly $20 million more than 2025.
When the police budget was first presented to council on Nov. 26, the total was the same. The increase for ratepayers would be 6.75 per cent or an average of $57 more in 2026. But, the municipality recently revised its assessment growth and the impact to the average property owner was lowered to 6.38 per cent or $54 more per month.
WRPS plans to add 73 new officers to the force by 2030, with 28 net positions added this year.
The force plans to hire 13 new sworn front-line officers, six will be added to investigative services, six to the road safety division and two new court security officers.
There will also be 29 new civilian professionals added to the ranks.
For asset renewal $2.8 million is allocated, and $3.5 million will be set aside for the new Public Safety Communications Centre.
Regional budget day is Dec 16.
