Police board OKs $15.2M budget increase, new public feedback rule

After a three-and-a-halfhour meeting Monday, the OttawaPolice Services Board approved a $401 million budget for 2023.

The police budget is increasing by $15.2 million, or about $17 for the average household.Money is beingallocated to hiring 25 newofficers, buying more hybrid vehicles and a new body camera project.

Ahead of the meeting, Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs said thisincrease was necessary in the face of rising demand andinflation.

"People are asking for us in a lot more different areas:the rural areas, the outlying areas, in the downtown core.They want more of us in the [ByWard]Market," he said.

"There [are]increasing demands everywhere and we have to respond to that With a growing community, the only way to do that is to invest in policing."

Before the board could approve its budget, it heard from a number of peoplewho voiced their concerns about theincrease.

"We continue to put money towardpolice services, when [it] could be put towardhelping people and helping the most vulnerable people in this community It's incredibly disappointing."said Chloe Humber, who attended the meeting as a public delegation.

"The police want more of everything. More cops, more money, more share of the budget." said Inez Hillel, another public delegate.

"Do you ever ask them when they will have enough? When will you admit that more police is not equal to more safety?"

Other public delegationscited a growing housing crisis and the need for more mental health services as more important issues to spend on.

Changing public participation rules

There were also concerns about changes to public delegation rules.

A planoriginally proposedby the board's policy and governance committee would have seenpublic delegations moved to a separate, lunch-hour meeting wheredelegations would get three minutes of speaking time eachif more than 12 people wanted to speak.

"The real feedback you get is from many other sources,not just thesedelegations," said Kanata North Coun. Cathy Curry, who was in favour of the change to noon.

"[That]would work to make this space less accessible for public delegates," said Farnaz Farhang, who attended Monday's meeting as a delegate.

Farhang said she was concerned working professionals and parents would be unable to joinnoon meetings.

"By separating the public delegations to a different timeyou would be sending a clear message that you're not actually here to listento the public's ideas and concerns and involve them in a meaningful way in the discussions that impact their day-to-day experiences."

Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr proposed that public delegations remain at normal board meetings, but people mustsubmit their planned comments in writing ahead of time.

"We heard a lot from the delegations that they want us to ask questions. I understand that and I know it's easier for me to ask a question if I read material ahead of time," she said.

"Requesting that people submit material ahead of time was included so that we can have an opportunity to dialogue more with those that are delegating."

Board memberseventually settled on Carr's proposal to keep public delegations at the main meeting with those requirements for written remarks in advance.

City council will debate and approve the full 2023 budget Wednesday.