Ontario Investing to Keep Elgin-Middlesex-London Safe
Funding for new video surveillance equipment and improved technology will help police prevent crime, especially gun and gang violence
April 24, 2025
ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON — The Ontario government is investing $267,750 to help London Police Service and St. Thomas Police Service expand their 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is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and can be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology, and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence and correlated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.
“Keeping our communities safe is a top priority for our government,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “This investment in upgraded CCTV technology for both the London and St. Thomas Police Services is about taking real, proactive steps to prevent crime, support our front-line officers, and ensure our neighbourhoods remain safe places to live, work, and raise a family. I’m proud to stand behind initiatives like this that deliver real results for the people of our region.”
“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.”
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 both London Police Service and St. Thomas Police Service supports two of 14 projects across the province, for a total investment of $2 million for 2024-2025.
“The St. Thomas Police Service is pleased to be a recipient of the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s CCTV Grant Program in the amount of $12,750”, said St. Thomas Police Services Chief Marc Roskamp. “A CCTV system contributes a modern role in supporting public safety in several practical and impactful ways. The presence of the cameras discourages criminal behaviours and disorder issues in identified problem areas. The recordings become incredibly valuable by identifying suspects, confirming timelines and providing visual evidence for court processes. A major advantage in having these camera systems installed, is the sense of safety and security they provide to residents, shoppers and guests to our city.”
QUICK FACTS
- The grant funding covers 50 per cent of project costs up to a maximum of $300,000 for each successful project.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACT
Emily Bradshaw
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org
519-631-5995