THUNDER BAY – “Forty-four new community-based crime prevention programs will help reduce the risk of youth becoming involved in crime and provide safer neighbourhoods across the province,” according to Jim Bradley, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Ontario is supporting these community projects as part of this year’s Crime Prevention Week theme: “Connecting with kids today – preventing crime tomorrow” so more youth can achieve their full potential.
The Safer and Vital Communities Grant program encourages partnerships among community agencies and police services.
“Connecting with kids and young people to keep them on the right track is an effective crime prevention strategy. By supporting these youth-focused projects, we are helping community organizations and the local police do just that,” adds Bradley.
“Investments in community safety through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant program play a vital role in promoting crime prevention. All Ontario police services are committed to partnering with our communities and helping our young people make positive life choices so they can reach their full individual potential,” commented Chief Robert Herman President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Chief of Police in Thunder Bay.
QUICK FACTS
- The Province is providing more than $852,000 to these 44 youth-focused community projects through its Safer and Vital Communities Grant program, to a maximum of $20,000 per project.
- Established in 2004, the Safer and Vital Community Grant program has invested more than $2.7 million to support local projects.
The program is open to local, not-for-profit organizations including First Nation communities in partnership with local police.