Students, arts groups, push back at police request in city budget

Emmanuel Akanbi is a 21-year-old Western University student who, over the past few weeks, has devoted a lot of his study time to the London city budget.

He's read through reams of documents and watched hours of budget discussions from council chambers streamed on YouTube. And while he's devoted a lot of effort to the budget, he's not a fan of where it's heading. Pending any significant last-minute budget amendments, London will have a property tax increase averaging 7.5 per cent over the next four years with a particularly painful 8.7 per cent rise in 2024.

For the average London home assessed at $250,000, it will mean more than $1,000 out of pocket over the four years.

"When I saw the numbers about how much they're increasing property tax, I thought 'Wow, that's a lot,'" said Akanbi. "That was really alarming to me."

Much of the tax increase London is lurching toward is driven by an unprecedented request from the police. They're seeking a $672 million boost above their base budget over four years to hire 97 new officers but to also pay for everything from a new training centre to vehicle upgrades and new equipment. You can read details about the police budget request here. 

The police request accounts for more than half the 8.7 tax increase for 2024. Police chief Thai Truong has told council it's needed to keep up with the policing needs of one of Canada's fastest growing cities. 

However, Akanbi doesn't believe more money for police will lead to better service.

"For me it's concerning that increasing the police budget by so much is the singular approach they're taking to increasing public safety," he said. "It seems like it's being put forward with no real scrutiny." 

That scrutiny appears to be picking up ahead of Tuesday's public participation meeting on the budget. Akanbi and 46 others have turned in written submissions to the city. 

There is a joint submissions from Museum London, the London Public Library, London Arts Council and the Grand Theatre saying the budget as it stands will have a negative impact on them. 

Another joint submission from five organizations including Anova and the London Abused Women's Centre, questions the police request for millions in staff and equipment. 

"Establishing strong ties with community partners can facilitate a more holistic and effective approach to combating crimes such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking," their submission reads. 

It's difficult to say how much potential the submissions will have to shift council's stance.