Building on the success of its summer Community-Oriented Responsive Enforcement (CORE) initiative, the Belleville Police Service is launching CORE+, an enhanced enforcement and community engagement strategy to further support safety and well-being in the downtown area.
CORE+ aligns with the City of Belleville’s broader efforts to address addiction, mental health, and homelessness. The initiative is a key component of a coordinated, citywide response involving police, municipal departments, and community partners working together through visibility and proactive enforcement.
“Our downtown core is a source of pride for our city,” stated Mayor Neil Ellis. “Its rich history, distinctive establishments and remarkable architecture make it a central hub for both residents and tourists alike.
With this program, we are able to take a collaborative and proactive approach to ensuring it remains safe and welcoming for visitors. We are eager to see the program expand and look forward to the positive outcomes it will deliver.”
Originally launched as a four-week pilot, CORE united police and community partners to promote safety, strengthen relationships, and address emerging issues in real time. Due to strong community support and proven results, the program was extended through the summer, reducing disruptive behaviour and improving conditions downtown.
The efforts of CORE culminated with the removal of an encampment on the Riverside Trail, addressing ongoing public complaints while respecting the rights of all involved.
The transition to CORE+ marks the next step in this collaborative approach, emphasizing targeted enforcement and increased visibility in response to recent increases in public nuisance, open-air drug use, and other disruptive behaviours downtown.
“The success of CORE has shown what is possible when we work together,” said Staff Sergeant Kyle King.
“CORE+ allows us to build on that momentum, focusing our efforts where they are needed most while continuing to engage with our community in meaningful ways.”
As a result of the extended CORE program, the following activity was recorded from September 26th – October 12th:
· 107 Officer Generated Incidents (proactive and reactive)
· 17 Highway Traffic Act Charges
· 11 Liquor Licence and Control Act Charges
· 2 City Bylaw Charges
· 2 Trespass to Property Act Charges
· 2 Arrests
City and provincial partners continue to play a key role in this initiative:
· The Belleville Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Officers have conducted new and follow-up inspections of various properties within the downtown core. During the CORE initiative, numerous Ontario Fire Code violations have been identified resulting in inspection orders being issued to the property owners. The fire code violations observed include improper maintenance of sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, kitchen suppression systems, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms.
Additionally, other fire code violations observed include a lack of annual fire and life safety system maintenance records, obstructed means of egress and exits, and missing / outdated fire safety plans. The Fire Prevention Division is working diligently with property owners to bring their buildings into compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
· Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Inspectors cited one bar with the violation Permit Drunkenness during the joint operation.
The Belleville Police Service thanks all community partners, businesses, and residents for their continued support and collaboration. We remain committed to this ongoing deployment strategy to keep our downtown safe and welcoming for everyone.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
