We are getting a better understanding of how much money the Guelph Police Service has spent trying to fire one of their officers. Constable Corey McArthur has been fighting to keep his job with the police service for almost a decade. In 2016, McArthur was caught on camera hitting a 17-year-old who was acting erratically after using crystal meth. The teen was handcuffed to a bed at Guelph General Hospital when he kneed McArthur in the chest or stomach. McArthur then elbowed the teen, causing or aggravating an injury. The teen had a 3.5 cm cut under his eye, as well as bruising and swelling. Since then, McArthur has pleaded guilty to a criminal assault charge and given a conditional discharge with three years maximum probation. He was suspended with pay. In 2022, the outcome of a police service hearing stated McArthur must resign from the force or risk being fired. He successfully appealed the decision, arguing he should be demoted instead. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct for a second time. That prompted another penalty hearing. In July 2026, the outcome of the hearing was announced, and the police service was given the go-ahead to dismiss McArthur unless he resigned within seven days. Days later, McArthur announced his intention to appeal again. The cost of McArthur’s case Through a Freedom of Information request, CTV News found out how much the ongoing case has cost the Guelph Police Service so far. The first penalty hearing between 2020 and 2022 cost the police service $293,129.80, including, but not limited to, prosecution and expert fees, facilities and court reporting and hearing officer fees. The Guelph Police Service then spent $86,936.98 responding to McArthur’s first penalty hearing appeal. Finally, the bill for the second penalty hearing between 2024 and 2026 cost the police service $401,383.90. All told, it added up to $781,450.68. Sunshine list Through penalty hearings and subsequent appeals, McArthur remained suspended with pay. McArthur’s salary was $101,804 in 2016, according to Ontario’s Sunshine List. He also went on leave in late 2016. McArthur then received WSIB benefits for approximately two years. During that period, he did not receive a salary from the Guelph Police Service. Beyond that point: With reporting from Jennifer K. Baker
