Mayor Bob Chiarelli is unsure whether the city will be reimbursed for policing costs associated with next week's "Take the Capital" protests and fears taxpayers could be on the hook for up to $5 million.
With an anticipated 10,000 activists from more than 35 groups expected to land in the nation's capital next week, policing costs are likely to exceed those incurred during protests surrounding last November's meeting of G20 finance ministers, which drew an estimated 5,000 demonstrators and cost police an additional $3 million on top of their regular costs.
Extra costs included police officers' overtime pay, reinforcements from other units and the purchase of specialized equipment.
In the past, the federal government has picked up the additional cost of policing shouldered by cities playing host to international summits and their accompanying protests.
However, next week's protests present something of a problem since the summit will be held more than 3,500 kilometres away, in the remote foothills of Alberta.
The mayor is concerned that since Ottawa is not hosting any official events of the summit, the city will not be reimbursed for the costs of policing the protests.
"We have made a formal request (for reimbursement) to the solicitor general's office and decision-makers within the federal government," said Mr. Chiarelli.
The city has yet to receive a response.
Solicitor general spokesman Dan Brien confirmed a response has yet to be issued, and was unclear whether that response would come before next week's protests, or later.
"It will be issued very soon," Mr. Brien explained. "Whether it happens tomorrow or in two days or whenever, we will respond."
"We're trying really, really hard to get a confirmation that the federal government will cover our costs," said Mr. Chiarelli.
"It would be nice to know that before the event."
But Mr. Chiarelli said Ottawa police will "protect the safety of the people of Ottawa" regardless.
"If we have to fight about the money later, we will certainly do so."
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