Several Ontario municipalities that rely on provincial police services are scrambling to revise their budget plans for next year after being suddenly saddled with skyrocketing law enforcement bills, a spike they say came with no warning or explanation.
The bills handed down by Ontario Provincial Police for 2025 represent a jump of more than 30 per cent in some cases, and at least one municipality is facing more than double the previous price tag, leaving local leaders to consider tax hikes or spending cuts to offset the costs.
“It’s outrageous to put this on our property taxpayers,” said Yvonne Hamlin, the mayor of Collingwood, a popular tourist destination known for its skiing.
The town of roughly 30,000 full-time and seasonal residents was told its policing bill would jump by 37 per cent next year, which would require a roughly five per cent property tax hike, Hamlin said.
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“We’re going to get to not proceeding with projects …