Ontario Investing over $350,000 to Keep Cobourg and Port Hope Safe
April 25, 2025
Funding for new video surveillance equipment and improved technology will help police prevent criminal behaviour and keep our community safe.
Northumberland, ON — The Ontario government is investing a combined $355,000 to help the Cobourg Police Service and Port Hope Police Service expand their video surveillance systems and better protect the community against crime and violence.
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is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and can be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology, and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gang violence and correlated crimes, such as drug and human trafficking, are most prevalent.
“Our government remains dedicated to its commitment to support Police Services in their tireless efforts to keep our streets safe”, said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “CCTV is a powerful tool for our frontline police officers. Having modern equipment enables them to detect and deter criminal activity in our community, keeping residents safe.”
“CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of local police work to detect, prevent and deter criminal activity, especially in areas of gun and gang violence and other serious crimes,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant program, our government led by Premier Ford is ensuring police services have the tools and resources they need to help protect their communities and keep Ontarians safe.”
The following police services are receiving Ontario CCTV Grant program funding for 2024-2025:
Cobourg Police Service – $255,000
Port Hope Police Service – $100,000
Launched in August 2020, the Ontario CCTV Grant program is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy. The funding being provided to Cobourg and Port Hope Police services represents 2 of 14 projects across the province, for a total investment of $2 million for 2024-2025.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Ontario government through the CCTV Grant Program. No community is immune to the impacts of organized crime”, said Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service. “CCTV technology is a crucial step in tackling gun and gang violence while ensuring the safety of our residents. With the continued grant funding, the Cobourg Police Service can expand and maintain the CCTV Network in Cobourg to better respond to criminal activities, making our community safer for everyone.”
“CCTV cameras are a cost-effective investigative tool that can augment traditional policing”, said Chief Tim Farquharson, Port Hope Police Services. “When used in a reasonable conscionable way, CCTV cameras can contribute to community safety by capturing evidence that can assist in determining the truth and convicting the guilty.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES