The Town of Greater Napanee will be bracing for a potential 11-per cent increase in the cost of OPP services in 2026, which could result in a 3-per cent tax increase.
At a regular session of Council on October 28, Council was presented with a report outlining potential OPP billing costs for 2026 that included a letter from the Ministry of the Solicitor General sent to the municipality on September 26.
The letter from the Ministry stated that an 11-per cent cap will be applied to the increase in policing costs borne by municipalities, compared to 2025 levels. The letter also indicated that new discount tables will be introduced, lowering the eligibility thresholds for calls for service and overtime discounts from five standard deviations to three, potentially increasing the number of municipalities eligible for relief.
Along with an increase in OPP billing, Council was informed that other public safety initiatives are expected to see an increase in price such as equipment for the Fire Department and costs related to encampments.
An actual OPP billing statement for 2026 has not yet been released, but the Ministry has indicated that these will be issued prior to November 30, 2025.
As part of the Mayor’s Budget Directive, staff were asked to delay the budget to January 2026 to allow more time to receive information on OPP billing increases.
Staff were also directed to deliver a series of pre-budget reports on the Town’s operational needs ahead of the presentation of the 2026 budget.
(BROCK ORMOND)
