How Should Alberta Share RCMP Policing Costs With Municipalities?
Official title: Police funding model review engagement
Alberta is reviewing how it splits RCMP policing costs with municipalities. Right now, towns that use provincial RCMP services pay a share based on a 2020 formula. The province wants to know if this model is still fair—especially for small and rural communities.
Why This Matters
Live in a small Alberta town? Your property taxes help pay for RCMP services. This review could change how much your municipality pays—and that affects local budgets for roads, recreation, and other services. Rural crime response times are also on the table.
What Could Change
The funding formula for 2026 and beyond could be rewritten. Municipalities might pay more or less depending on the new model. The province may also change how it invests in frontline officers and specialized units for rural areas.
Key Issues
- Is the current cost-sharing formula fair for all municipalities?
- How should policing costs be distributed between the province and municipalities?
- What changes would make the funding model more sustainable long-term?
- How can the model better address rural crime concerns?
How to Participate
- Review the Police Funding Regulation and the information sheet to understand the current model.
- If you're a municipal official or administrator, watch for invitations to virtual and in-person sessions from May to June 2025.