VicPD 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, $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 is no evidence that increased police spending in Canada has any effect on crime rates. And according to VicPD’s own data, the department is violent, it’s racist, it’s an active partner in deportations, and they regularly hurt, and even kill, people in crisis.

But city councillors keep throwing millions at police as if it’s a public good. This year (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 another $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 ask our city councillors to do the same.

Template letter

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 use the following if you need a template for inspiration. If you use the template, try to include examples of community supports and services where you’d like to see money spent instead.

Subject: Reject VicPD’s 2026 budget

Victoria residents: councillors@victoria.ca

Esquimalt residents: council@esquimalt.ca

BCC (optional): defundvicpd @ proton.me

Dear City Councillors,

I’m writing to oppose VicPD’s draft 2026 budget. VicPD receives a disproportionate amount of municipal funding at the expense of community and social services that keep people safe.

Please reject the proposed 2026 budget increase for VicPD, including the hiring of 25 new officers. I would also encourage you to look for opportunities to reduce the existing police budget to further invest in community supports and services.

Thank you,

[Your name]
[Contact information]
[Address and/or postal code]

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