The City of Vancouver is facing financial challenges as it gears up for its 2026 operating budget. Amid the likelihood of significant cuts, the police and fire departments are seeking additional funding to cover deficits amounting to millions of dollars this year.
In an upcoming meeting, Vancouver city council’s finance committee will review funding requests totaling $17 million from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and $4.6 million from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS).
A staff report set to be presented to the committee outlines that the VPD’s projected budget overrun for 2025 is mainly attributed to overtime expenses resulting from staffing shortages, an increase in protests and demonstrations, ongoing initiatives such as ‘Task Force Barrage,’ and adjustments related to employee benefits. Meanwhile, VFRS is facing a budget shortfall primarily due to unexpected fleet maintenance costs.
To cover these additional expenses for public safety operations, city staff are proposing a one-time transfer from city reserves, pending council approval.
These funding requests come at a crucial moment as council deliberates the 2026 operating budget, with tough decisions ahead to address the city’s financial constraints.
In related news, the draft budget is scheduled to be unveiled on Nov. 12, featuring Mayor Ken Sim’s ambitious ‘Zero Means Zero’ property tax freeze plan for the upcoming year. The budget is expected to involve significant cuts in various city services and departments, with estimates suggesting potential savings of up to $120 million.
Additionally, the Vancouver Police Board recently voted in favor of a $50-million budget increase for 2026, aiming to raise the total budget to $497 million.