$788,501.97 for Northumberland County OPP, Cobourg Police, and Port Hope Police will help
fight crime and keep people safe
Cobourg Police Services Board, Northumberland OPP, and Port Hope Police Services Board are receiving $788,501.97 as part of the Ontario government’s more than $91 million investment to help protect families and communities across the province.
The funding is being delivered through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program.
• Northumberland OPP, in partnership with the Municipality of Brighton and Northumberland Hills Hospital, will use $32,788.55 to increase mental health coverage in Northumberland County. This expanded support will reduce pressure on frontline officers, improve mental health outcomes Northumberland County.
• Northumberland OPP, in partnership with Peterborough County OPP, will receive $522,400 toward the Peterborough and Northumberland Counties Human Trafficking Coalition. Led by Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland (VSPN), the initiative includes local police, service providers, and a survivor advocate. With new funding, the project will deliver training, outreach to high-risk groups, and tailored support for survivors, aiming to improve early intervention and community awareness.
• The Cobourg Police Service is launching the Cobourg Community Safety Hub, a $149,000 initiative that brings together police, fire, by-law, social services, and health agencies to address complex community safety issues through a coordinated, prevention-focused approach. Rooted in Ontario’s Community Safety and Well-Being framework, the Hub will enhance collaboration, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents.
• The Port Hope Police Service, in partnership with Northumberland Hills Hospital and community agencies, is expanding its Mental Health Engagement and Response Team (M-HEART) with $84,313.42 in funding to enhance outreach for youth and seniors facing mental health and addiction challenges. This investment will strengthen crisis response, reduce repeat incidents, and improve access to compassionate, community-based care.
“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting police services and community partners working on the front lines to keep our communities safe,” said David Piccini,
MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South.
“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 well-being of residents across Northumberland County. I’m proud to see local initiatives receiving the support they need to deliver meaningful change.”
The Northumberland OPP, Port Hope Police, and Cobourg Police projects are 4 of 127 projects being funded across the province for 2025-26. Of the 127 projects, 88 projects will address local priorities, and 39 projects will address 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.
“Our government is delivering on our promise to protect Ontario and keep communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “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 well-being of the people they serve.”
The Community Safety and Policing Grant Program supports policing initiatives that focus on local or provincial priorities and provides eligible police services/boards and municipalities policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with funding to deploy front-line officers where and when they are needed most.
“The Northumberland OPP appreciates the partnership with the Ministry of the Solicitor General along with the Municipality of Brighton’s support in securing funding for two important initiatives that will strengthen community safety. Expanding mental health coverage through MHEART will allow for more consistent crisis support, helping reduce hospital visits and address stigma around mental health while increasing service across Northumberland County. Additionally, the Human Trafficking Coalition will enhance our collaborative efforts with Peterborough County OPP and Victim Services, focusing on training, outreach, and survivor support. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to a victim centered approach, meaningful partnerships, and protecting vulnerable members of our communities.”
Mike Cavanagh, Detachment Commander, Northumberland OPP
“The MHEART (Mental Health Engagement and Response Team) is a successful and proven partnership between a police officer and a mental health and addictions worker. This outreach team responds to mental health crises, addiction issues, and supports our most vulnerable community members through a compassionate and effective service delivery model that addresses critical service gaps. By working collaboratively, MHEART builds trust and strengthens relationships with individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. This community-focused approach not only enhances safety and well-being, but also fosters longterm, positive engagement. The funding received from the Ministry of the Solicitor General is both deeply appreciated and absolutely essential to the continuation of the MHEART program in Port Hope. This investment directly supports our ongoing efforts to provide responsive,
respectful, and life-changing support to those who need it most”
Tim Farquharson, Chief of Police, Port Hope Police Service
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for their continued support and
investment in community safety and their commitment to strengthening small and mid-sized
police services in Ontario. This funding will allow us to establish the Cobourg Community Safety
Hub, bringing 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 neighborhoods. 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.”
Paul VandeGraaf, Chief of Police, Cobourg Police Service
Author: Pete Fisher
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