Halton Regional Police, which patrols Burlington, list $10.9 million in grants, including money to buy and run a new police helicopter.
The list comes in a report to the Halton Police Board, the civilian body that oversees the service, from Chief Stephen J. Tanner. The board has handed the chief signing authority for grant applications.
The helicopter money comes through the province's Joint Air Support Unit program, which covers buying and operating the new aircraft. Other funding helps pay for RIDE sobriety checks aimed at cutting impaired driving, and supports a provincial strategy to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation online.
Burlington taxpayers also help pay for the police budget through the Region of Halton. The proposed 2027 budget is 7.4% higher than the approved 2026 budget, even after counting expected growth in the region's property tax base. The proposed 2027 capital budget, for long-lasting things such as buildings and equipment, is $12.7 million, part of a 10-year capital plan worth $326.5 million.
Separately, Ontario is giving the force $300,000 from its Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program to target organized vehicle-theft networks. Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, local MPPs and Halton mayors were set to discuss the money at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at police headquarters, 2485 North Service Road West in Oakville.
