The Belleville Police Service is receiving $335,475 as part of the Ontario government’s investment of more than $91 million through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program to help protect families and communities, Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte announced today.
The funding includes $235,475 to implement a modern, data-informed patrol strategy that aligns with the City of Belleville’s 2026-2030 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and create a new strategic plan that aligns planning, training, technological supports, and community collaboration. It also provides $100,000 to maintain a full-time Victim Services worker embedded within the Belleville Police Service, providing consistent trauma-informed assistance and connections with local supports.
“Through the Community Safety and Policing Grant Program, our government is providing the Belleville Police Service with resources to enhance its strategic operations and better serve this growing community as it responds to complex issues,” said Allsopp. “I’m confident this investment will be put to good use to increase safety and wellbeing in Belleville.”
Heather Smith, the Belleville Police Services Board Chair, welcomed the announcement. “Strong communities are built on strong partnerships. Effective policing depends on collaboration to ensure our officers have the tools, resources, and support they need to serve our residents. This funding reflects a share commitment to innovation, community safety, and the well-being of everyone in Belleville. By investing in both technology and people, we’re helping to build a policing model that’s proactive and prepared for the future.”
Sheri Meeks, Deputy Chief for the Belleville Police Service, appreciated the support for both projects. “Our community is growing, and with that growth comes new challenges. Rising demands related to property crime and social disorder require a modern approach that combines supportive, data-driven technology with community policing principles. This funding from the Ontario government allows us to enhance front-line support through a data-informed Team Policing Patrol Strategy, implement predictive analytics and advanced mapping tools, anticipate emerging challenges, and allocate resources where they are needed most to keep Belleville safe.”
Meeks added “Strengthening victim support is essential to community safety and well-being. This funding allows us to better connect victims with resources and co-ordinated support when they need it most. 24/7 access to assistance is essential, because victimization can happen at any time Timely, trauma-informed care during those critical moments leads to better outcomes and addresses both immediate and long-term needs. We are committed to survivor-centered services that support healing and long-term recovery.”
The project is one 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.
(PAUL MARTIN)
