Police Services Board approves $5M purchase of hybrid cruisers
Posted Sep 19, 2025 03:23:10 PM.
Last Updated Sep 19, 2025 03:53:29 PM.
In consecutive sessions, the Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) Board has approved the acquisition of hybrid vehicles, with a total cost of over $5 million.
At the Aug. 20 meeting, the board green-lit the purchase of 15 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor SUV’s and Ford Transit vans at a cost of $1.44 million.
That was done to ensure the order was placed by the Sept. 15 deadline making the delivery date no later than March 31, 2026.
Then at the Sept. 17 meeting, the purchase of an additional 53 hybrid vehicles was approved with a price tag of $3.58 million. No delivery deadline has been set.
Both approvals come before the board has completed the 2026 capital budget review process.
The pre-approved purchases are part of the WRPS mission to reduce emissions and fuel usage by converting the fleet to hybrid or electric.
The majority of the first 15 vehicles will replace vehicles already in use. Two are intended to support the expansion of 18 officers. The money for these vehicles comes by way of the vehicle reserve fund and regional development charges.
Cherri Greeno, director of communication at WRPS told 570 NewsRadio in a statement that vehicle procurement is a process where careful consideration is given to ensure ageing vehicles actually need replacing.
“A detailed evaluation of vehicles is completed annually, including mechanical and body condition inspections, operating cost and operational requirements, and utilization,” she said. “The evaluation provides information to determine which of the vehicles should be replaced and/or could be deferred or deleted from the fleet.”
She went on to say the average police vehicle has a lifespan of around five years.
