Edmonton Police told City of Edmonton officials Monday that the service is in need of two new helicopters – to replace their own aging fleet.
EPS said $14 million in funding over the next five years is needed for the two new police choppers – that are capable of flying for longer, reaching higher altitudes, handle more weight, and that can take off without a runway.
The new helicopters would replace the two current ones, bought in 2001 and 2009.
Police said those two choppers are nearing the end of their lifespan, and said moving the two aircraft to the airport in Villeneuve airport has cut the amount of time the choppers can stay in the air because of the distance and the higher fuel costs.
Police said they would make a Capital Budget submission for the aircraft in the fall.
With files from Ashley Molnar
