As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing $240,000 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team led by the Barrie Police Service.
The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“This funding will help the Barrie police ensure our downtown remains safe and accessible to families and businesses, while helping to address the needs of those experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte. “Connecting these vulnerable people to the supports they need will help improve our downtown core’s overall safety and the lives of all involved.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen mobile crisis response teams — made up of police and crisis workers — who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
“The Barrie Police Service Mobile Crisis Response Team has become a valued resource in our community. The partnership of a police officer as well as a Canadian Mental Health Association worker allows for the most appropriate response to be offered to those experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Chief Rich Johnston of the Barrie Police Service.
“This grant allows us to have a mobile crisis response team focused on the downtown, where we know there is a need for this type of outreach," the chief added. "We can better support those community members who are experiencing mental health crises, as well as supporting them through follow-up visits, and connecting with any ongoing services.”
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
