Perth Courthouse (File photo)
The Town of Perth is paying $240,382 in court security and prisoner transport fees in 2026, and the cost is expected to climb drastically next year with oncoming hirings.
With the current legislation, the municipality is responsible to pay all incurred security and transportation fees for the provincial court, and the annual provincial grant ($115,000 for 2026), doesn’t come close to covering the $277,696 total.
We spoke with Perth Councillor David Bird in January about rising courthouse and OPP costs.
Perth representatives had a delegation at the 2026 AMO Conference in January where they discussed this system. The province told them most municipalities which are home to a provincial courthouse have agreements with their respective county for the costing, and suggested Perth ask for the same.
Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson said they approach Lanark County hat in hand, after the court judge ordered additional security.
Mayor Judy Brown said the legislation requiring the home municipality to pay the costs of a provincial program isn’t fair.
County council agreed to draw up a cost-sharing agreement, pending further costing information and a separate agreement with The Town of Smiths Falls.
Story by Grant Deme
