Ontario Protecting York Region Communities Against Gun and Gang Violence

Funding for new video surveillance equipment and technology will help police fight crime

Aurora-Oak Ridges Richmond Hill — The Ontario government is investing $200,000.00 to help York Regional Police expand its video surveillance program and better protect the community against gun and gang violence.  

The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and can be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence, illegal drug activity and human trafficking are prevalent.

“Our government’s investment in upgrading and installing new state-of-the-art CCTV systems will help provide the York Regional Police with the tools they need to ensure greater public safety for our communities.” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “Families deserve to live in communities free from the fear of gun and gang violence.”

“King-Vaughan families and seniors deserve safer streets, which is why our government is providing the York Regional Police with the resources it needs to protect local communities and hold criminals to account,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. “By investing in CCTV cameras in high-crime locations and strengthening the province’s efforts to combat bail non-compliance and auto thefts, Ontario is taking action to fight crime and keep families safe. We continue to call on the federal government to implement sweeping reforms so that repeat violent offenders are behind bars, not released on bail.”

York Regional Police is one of 24 police services across the province receiving funding with more than $2.8 million being allocated through the 2023-24 CCTV Grant program.

“Our government is taking action to keep Ontarians safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of local police work to detect, prevent, and deter criminal activity. The systems also enhance police efforts to investigate crimes and provide evidence necessary to lay charges.”

QUICK FACTS

  • The CCTV Grant was first introduced in 2020. Since that time, the Ontario government has allocated approximately $7.4 million in funding for surveillance systems to police services across the province.
  • The grant funding covers 50 per cent of project costs up to a maximum of $200,000 for each successful project.
  • The Ontario government is investing $163 million to immediately strengthen the province’s efforts to fight crime including combatting bail non-compliance and auto thefts.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Media Contact

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700       

Contact: Josie Fedele

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org

Hunter Kell

Solicitor General’s Office

Hunter.Kell@Ontario.ca