Rae Announces $400,000 for Local Police Services

[Perth-Wellington] – Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, announced $400,000 to help local police services expand their video surveillance programs and better protect our communities.

“Our local police services do important work to keep our rural communities safe,” MPP Rae said. “This funding will help them investigate criminal activity and ensure our families and property are kept safe.”

The Stratford Police and the West Perth Ontario Provincial Police will receive $200,000 each to improve their surveillance programs. The Guelph Police Service will also receive $200,000 through the Ontario CCTV Grant Program.

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is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and can be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence, illegal drug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

This is part of a larger investment that will see 24 police services across the province receiving funding with more than $2.8 million being allocated through the 2023-24 CCTV Grant program. The Government of Ontario is investing $163 million to immediately strengthen the province’s efforts to fight crime including combatting bail non-compliance and auto thefts.