Area police services are getting a boost as part of a $91-million provincial investment to help fight crime and keep people safe, says Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini.
In total, the province has committed a reported combined total of $788,501.97 for Northumberland OPP, the Cobourg Police Service Board and Port Hope Police Service Board, with monies funneling through the province’s community safety and policing grant program.
In Cobourg, $149,000 is supposed to help launch the “Cobourg Community Safety Hub,” which will bring together police, fire, bylaw, social services and health agencies to address complex community safety issues through a co-ordinated, prevention-focused approach, according to the province.
“Rooted in Ontario’s community safety and well-being framework, the hub will enhance collaboration, reduce risk and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents,” reads a recent release from Piccini’s office.
Cobourg Police Service Chief Paul VandeGraaf said the service is grateful for the provincial injection and continued support from the Ministry of the Solicitor General to strengthen small- and mid-sized police services.
He said the hub will bring together key partners to focus on areas like housing instability, mental health, and substance use.
“The hub will help police and partner agencies respond more effectively to community needs and build stronger, safer neighbourhoods,” said VandeGraaf. “It also marks a meaningful evolution in how we collaborate and deliver public safety services in Cobourg, improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals, while also enhancing the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.”
The investments into Northumberland’s three police services are reportedly among four of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26.
“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting police services and community partners working on the frontlines to keep our communities safe,” said Piccini. “Whether it’s expanding mental health crisis response, launching a community safety hub, or tackling human-trafficking, this funding will have a direct impact on the wellbeing of residents across Northumberland County.
“I’m proud to see local initiatives receiving the support they need to deliver meaningful change.”
For Northumberland OPP, in partnership with the Municipality of Brighton and Northumberland Hills Hospital, $32,799.55 is being dedicated to increasing mental health coverage in the county. The expanded support is supposed to help reduce pressure on front-line officers and improve mental health outcomes.
Northumberland OPP, in partnership with Peterborough County OPP, is also getting $522,400 towards a shared human-trafficking coalition, which is led by Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland (VSPN). The new funding is reportedly to help deliver training, outreach to high-risk groups and tailored support for survivors, with a goal of improving early intervention and community awareness.
Detachment Commander Mike Cavanagh said both initiatives will ultimately help strengthen community safety.
Expanding mental health coverage through M-HEART will mean more consistent crisis support, helping to reduce hospital visits and address stigma, while increasing service across Northumberland, said Cavanagh. He said the human-trafficking coalition will enhance collaborative efforts and ultimately help protect vulnerable community members.
In Port Hope, in partnership with NHH and community agencies, $84,313.42 will help expand Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (M-HEART) efforts. Monies will be used to enhance outreach for youth and seniors facing mental health and addiction challenges, said officials.
The goal is to strengthen crisis response, reduce repeat incidents and improve access to compassionate, community-based care, reads Piccini’s release.
Port Hope Police Service Chief Tim Farquharson said MHEART is a successful and proven partnership, and this outreach effort is critical to addressing service gaps. By working collaboratively, MHEART builds trust and strengthens relationships with individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, and the community-focused approach enhances safety and wellbeing, as well as long-term positive engagement.
“This investment directly supports our ongoing efforts to provide responsive, respectful and life-changing support to those who need it most,” said Farquharson.
Of the 127 projects being funded, 88 are reportedly addressing hyper-local priorities, while 39 are tackling provincial priorities, including gun and gang-related violence, sexual violence and harassment, human-trafficking, mental health and addictions, hate-motivated crime, housing and homelessness, and commercial/retail theft, reads Piccini’s release.
“Our government is delivering on our promise to protect Ontario and keep communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, in the release. “Through this funding, we are helping to build safer communities by ensuring Ontario’s police services have the resources they need to address local issues and improve the wellbeing of the people they serve.”
