Calgary police chief warns of ‘major impacts’ on public safety if budget ask fails

Calgary's police chief is requesting a significant increase in the department's budget over the next four years. Police Chief Const. Katie McLellan is proposing to hire an additional 309 officers and 214 civilian employees by 2030, which would raise the annual operating budget from $684.5 million in 2026 to $816.7 million by 2030, a 19 percent increase.

McLellan is also seeking $191.9 million in capital spending over the four-year period, a 73 percent boost compared to the previous budget. The chief stated that if the budget is not fully funded, it would have serious consequences for public safety and the effectiveness of front-line officers. Calgary is already struggling to keep up with population growth, rising rates of shootings, fatal collisions, and increased calls related to mental health and addiction.

McLellan emphasized that the department cannot solve these issues through arrests alone. The proposed budget would allow the police force to better manage the increased workload, including fewer officers available for low-priority incidents and less community policing and engagement. If the budget proposal is not fully funded, it will result in major impacts on Calgarians' safety and perception of safety, with officer response limited further than it already is, worsening public safety outcomes. Calgary city council will discuss the budget in the coming weeks.