Ontario Investing in Video Surveillance Systems in Barrie

The Ontario government is investing $50,000 to help the Barrie Police Service expand its video surveillance systems and better protect the community against crime and the threat of gun and gang violence.

Funding is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and will be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology, and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence and correlated crimes, such as drug and human trafficking, are most prevalent.

“This is another step in ensuring that crime is prevented within Barrie and contributes to the welfare and safety of Barrie residents,” said MPP Andrea Khanjin. “Barrie is a great place to live and enjoy the many local restaurants and businesses. Ensuring that crime is detected, monitored and prevented is one way to keep businesses and visitors thriving.”

“Keeping areas in our city, like the downtown core, safe has been a long been a priority for all levels of government. The downtown should be a place where families can come to enjoy our beautiful waterfront, or explore the great local businesses,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “This grant will offer police another tool to help protect our communities and ensure our downtown stays safe.”

“Our government is determined to provide police services with the tools and resources they need 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, especially in areas of gun and gang violence and other serious crimes.”

Launched in August 2020, the Ontario CCTV Grant program is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and represents a $6 million investment across the province over three fiscal years, from 2020-2021 to 2022-2023. Barrie Police Service is one of 20 police services across the province to receive a grant for 2022-23.

QUICK FACTS

  • The grant funding covers 50 per cent of project costs up to a maximum of $200,000 for each successful project.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES