Leduc's RCMP contract slated to rise by $308,000 in 2026

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc's 2026 budget proposes a $308,000 increase for its RCMP contract.

The potential increase was explored during this week's budget deliberations, which looked at the proposed costs for Leduc's Community and Protective Services. In a presentation from Darrell Melvie -- GM of Community and Protective Services -- it was revealed that policing costs could see a noteworthy increase in the 2026 fiscal year, mostly due to higher staffing. 

"We're forecasting an increase to actual utilization and related expenditures to between 27 and 30 members on an ongoing basis," said Melvie. "Instead of the 24-25 range, we'll probably be up to that 30 range."

Melvie notes several key metrics that weigh into staffing levels for local policing. These include police-to-population ratio, crime severity index, and criminal code files per member. In 2024, criminal code incidents per regular member were at a five-year high, at 92.7 per member. Melvie says that should these trends continue, Leduc will need at least one new Constable in 2027-28, as well as a related Administrative Support Staff member.

Meantime, the City's proposed 2026 budget also contains a $226,000 increase for contracted security. Melvie says this would allow Leduc to provide enhanced security at civic facilities, including the Leduc Public Library, Alexandra Arena and Alexandra Pool, the Civic Centre, and the Leduc Recreation Centre.

"Over the past several years, there's been an increase in incidents involving the public and individuals seeking support services and daytime shelters at City work sites," said Melvie. "On some occasions, the behaviour of certain individuals has raised safety concerns amongst both the public and employees."

Leduc's ambulance contract is also slated to rise by $174,000 if the City's new budget is approved.