VicPD just announced they’re asking for a $90 million budget next year, up $11 million, or 14%, from 2025. Compared to just five years ago, that’s a $31 million, 52% increase.
VicPD is already the most expensive police department per capita in B.C., but in 2026, VicPD wants 25 more officers at a cost of $5 million. They’re also spending money on things like AI and virtual reality training, a body-cam program, $700,000 on public relations, and $511,000 on school liaison officers.
If the provincial government overrules Esquimalt councillors on last year’s budget, Victoria and Esquimalt will be forced to pay another $925,000, meaning VicPD’s total 2026 budget request is effectively $91 million.
There’s no evidence that increased police spending in Canada has any effect on crime rates. And according to their own data, VicPD is violent, racist, an active partner in deportations, and they regularly hurt, and even kill, people in crisis.
But city councillors keep throwing away millions of dollars on police as if it’s a public good. In 2025, Victoria is spending 23% of its budget on police, and Esquimalt is spending 21%. Victoria councillors have already signalled their support for increased police spending next year, and automatic annual police budget increases. They even offered VicPD $1.5 million this summer outside the regular budget process.
It doesn’t have to be this way! We can oppose VicPD’s already bloated budget and their 2026 demands, and expect our city councillors do the same.
Actions
We encourage everyone to write a personalized email asking your city councillors to oppose VicPD’s 2026 budget increase, and to defund VicPD and reallocate money to community supports and services.
You can also find a template for inspiration on the 2026 Draft Budget Campaign page.
Share this campaign widely! No more budget increases! VicPD is actively defunding live-saving community supports and services.
