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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Calgary Police Propose Major Capital Budget Increase
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is requesting a substantial boost in its capital funding, seeking a 73 per cent increase for the upcoming 2027-2030 budget cycle. The proposed total capital budget stands at $191.90 million, intended to address longstanding infrastructure and technology needs.
Infrastructure and Vehicle Replacement Drive Funding Request
Deputy Chief Asif Rashid explained to CBC News that much of the funding is needed to tackle public safety challenges and support CPS’s ability to serve a growing city. He emphasized that the service had seen shortfalls in previous budget cycles, leaving it unable to properly maintain or replace aging buildings and equipment.
“There are buildings that are in disrepair,” Rashid said. “Roofs that needed to be replaced decades ago, parking lots that are crumbling, and frankly, the physical infrastructure is not sufficient to keep up with a growing number of officers that need to work out of these buildings as well.”
Approximately 75 per cent of the requested capital budget is designated for replacing aging infrastructure and vehicles. This includes covering the growth of 160 vehicles. Rashid noted that vehicles are now accumulating mileage more rapidly, as officers must travel greater distances across the city. “Some vehicles are operating literally 24 hours a day without even shutting off,” he said.
Technology Investment and Artificial Intelligence Policing
The budget request also includes $55.2 million for information technology upgrades. Planned investments cover areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual policing, mobile technology, computer-aided dispatch, and records management systems. Rashid described these upgrades as essential for keeping up with the increasing complexity of crime and enhancing efficiency.
Notably, CPS officers can now translate over 50 languages in real time through their body-worn cameras, a capability enhanced by AI technology. While seen as a valuable resource for community engagement, it does not yet hold up independently in court.
Downtown Police Station Absent from Funding Request
Despite ongoing discussions, the current four-year capital funding proposal does not include a request for a new downtown police facility. This omission has drawn attention from Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who has advocated for a downtown police station as a critical priority.
“I’ll be looking into their rationale for why they think Calgary shouldn’t have a downtown police station,” Farkas said, expressing disappointment that such a project was not part of the budget request. He cited the fact that Calgary is the only major North American city without a downtown police station as a concern.
The mayor indicated a willingness to consider alternative safety strategies for the downtown core if CPS presents a viable plan.
Deliberations Ahead for Calgary City Council
The Calgary City Council is scheduled to debate the proposed police capital funding increase and associated priorities during budget discussions in late November. Rashid stressed that the budget submission reflects only CPS’s highest priority needs, with many lesser demands excluded in an effort to keep the request at what he described as “the absolute bare minimum.”
“We think that we’ve put forth the budget ask that is the most responsible and the absolute bare minimum of what we can get away with to keep the lights on for the next four years,” Rashid said.
Conclusion
The outcome of council deliberations will determine how the Calgary Police Service can address its aging infrastructure, expanding vehicle needs, and investments in technology moving forward. The debate also rekindles discussions around the long-term future of police services in Calgary’s downtown core.
Source: cbc.ca.
