The rising cost of the OPP continues to be a discussion point in municipal circles.
In Perth, the increase for 2026 was $120,000, representing over $1.8 million of the $10.65 million budget.
The Ontario Provincial Police budget for 2025-26 is about $1.89 billion, according to Ontario’s published estimates.
Councillor David Bird says the town’s also in a unique position.
The Perth courthouse is the only remaining one in Lanark County.
Bird says the town’s in a situation where grants are necessary to keep some operations afloat.
The town is receiving a $115,000 grant for court security and prisoner transport in 2026, a decrease of $10,000 from 2025 and $20,095 from 2024.
Story by Grant Deme
