Ontario’s Commitment to Community Safety

The Ontario government is committed to enhancing community safety through strategic partnerships and active community engagement.  We are investing in new technology, legislation, and enforcement to empower Police services across the province in their tireless efforts to combat crime.

Highlights from recent initiatives:

Ontario Investing in Infrastructure and Technology to Help Support New Emergency 9-1-1 Communications System 

Ontario is investing $78 million in telecommunications infrastructure, including $1,051,354 to York Regional Police, to help emergency operators and dispatchers save more lives by transitioning to the enhanced Next Generation 9-1-1.  Click here for details.

Ontario Introducing Legislation to Support Victims of Crime and Enhance Community Safety 

The Ontario government will introduce proposed legislation, that, if passed, would make it easier for more victims of crime to sue an offender for emotional distress, protect children and youth from cannabis, enhance community safety, and make court and government operations more efficient. Click here for details.

Ontario Taking Action to Combat Auto Theft With Enhanced Crime-Fighting Measures

The Ontario government is investing $18 million over three years, including $900,000 to York Regional Police, to combat and prevent auto theft while protecting communities and keeping people and their property safe. Click here for details.

Ontario Cracking Down on Auto Theft By Creating Auto Theft Prosecution Teams

The Ontario government is fighting auto theft by investing $51 million in new measures to help police identify and dismantle organized crime networks and put thieves behind bars. Click here for details.

Ontario Takes Action on High-Risk and Repeat Violent Offenders

The Ontario government is working alongside the Federal government to fix the broken bail system and investing $112 million to immediately strengthen the province’s bail system to ensure that high-risk and repeat violent offenders comply with their bail conditions. Click here for details.

Ontario Getting More Boots on the Ground by Making it Easier to Recruit and Train Police Officers

The Ontario government is making it easier for police services to recruit and train more police officers by removing tuition fees for the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College (OPC) and immediately expanding the number of recruits that can be trained each year. Click here for details.

Protect Your Home from Theft and Break-Ins

With the holiday season approaching and the evenings getting darker earlier during the winter months, it’s crucial to be vigilant and implement these simple yet effective strategies to safeguard your home.

  1. Outdoor Lighting: Install motion-activated lights or simply keep the lights on around the perimeter of your home. Well-lit areas discourage burglars and make it easier for neighbors to spot suspicious activity.
  1. Install Security System: Invest in a home security system that includes alarms and surveillance cameras. Visible security measures can act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
  1. Maintain Your Property: Keep your yard well-maintained to avoid creating hiding spots for intruders. Trim bushes and trees near windows, and ensure that your property looks occupied even when you’re away.
  1. Lights On, Curtains Closed: Keep your curtains or blinds closed, especially at night, to prevent outsiders from peering inside.  Turn on more lights inside your homes and in the backyard.
  1. Use Timers and Smart Devices: Consider using timers and smart devices to automate lighting, creating the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re away or on vacation.
  1. Home Maintenance During Absence: Have someone pick up newspapers, flyers, mail, and clear up the snow on your driveway after snowfall. An accumulation of these items can signal that the property is unoccupied.
  1. Secure Valuables: Store valuable items in a secure safe or hidden location. Avoid leaving valuables, such as handbags and jewelry, in plain sight from windows.
  1. Neighbourhood Watch: Keep in touch with your neighbours. Establish a neighbourhood watch system where residents can look out for each other and report any unusual activity.
  1. Report Street Lamp Outage: Report any street lamp outage promptly to ensure that the street remains adequately lighted, contributing to the overall safety of the neighborhood.
  1. Report Suspicious Activities: If you observe any suspicious activities, please report them to the York Regional Police non-emergency hotline at 1-866-876-5423. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.

We are working hand-in-hand with our residents to build safer communities together!