Thunder Bay Police Seek $64 Million Budget for 2026 Operations

The Thunder Bay Police Service Board has endorsed a proposed operational budget of approximately $64 million for 2026. The board approved the budget request during a meeting held on Thursday, marking a significant increase of about 9 percent, or $5.4 million, compared to the 2025 budget.

Board chair Karen Machado emphasized the importance of balancing community needs and wants. “People want officers in the field, they want visibility, they want to address crime, they want to address guns and gangs,” she stated. The budget includes funding for around 17 new full-time equivalent positions, contributing to a total personnel services increase of $5.1 million. This increase is attributed to collective bargaining adjustments and workers’ compensation expenses.

Details of the Proposed Budget

The proposed budget outlines several areas of increased spending. Costs associated with purchased services, including psychological support for officers, are set to rise. Additionally, expenses related to rent and leases are also expected to increase. The budget allocates funds for a recruitment campaign and upgrades to the police communication system.

Despite the board’s approval, the budget still requires final endorsement from the city council as part of the broader municipal budget process. Mayor Ken Boshcoff was the sole member to vote against the proposal. “I had to let people know that we have guidelines for the city,” he remarked, referring to the city council’s directive for all departments to maintain budget increases at 2.6 percent or lower when possible. Boshcoff expressed concerns over the financial pressures faced by the city in maintaining its police service, stating, “We’re asked to do a lot of policing over a large area.”

Future Capital Budgets and Infrastructure Concerns

In addition to the operational budget, the police service is proposing capital budgets of approximately $3.2 million for 2026 and $4.8 million for 2027. Much of this funding is earmarked for replacing police vehicles and upgrading the Balmoral Street police station, which is noted to be 39 years old and in “poor” condition according to the city’s capital budget documentation. Proposed improvements include roof repairs and interior renovations.

Boshcoff expressed skepticism about the likelihood of constructing a new police building in the near future. “If we could afford new buildings, we would build them,” he explained. He suggested that while some expansion or annexes might be feasible, the prospects for a new building remain grim given the current financial constraints. “I see maybe some expansion or annexes close to the property, but I don’t see a new building coming where our capital costs are made with at least five-year windows,” he concluded.

As the city navigates its budget process, the Thunder Bay Police Service’s operational budget reflects ongoing challenges in addressing public safety and meeting community expectations.