Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Team for Niagara

January 28, 2025

Grimsby – The Ontario government is providing $71,926.00 to help the Niagara Regional Police Service provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.

“In a time of mental distress, a Mobile Crisis Response Team can make a critical life-saving difference by safely deescalating a crisis,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This important funding will help support frontline officers right across the region.”

“We are grateful for this funding, which will help us extend our services into the 3 District, ensuring we can support the residents of Welland and Pelham, especially during times of crisis,” said Bill Fordy, Chief of Police of the Niagara Regional Police Service.

“Building on the positive outcomes we have seen through our collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association in St. Catharines/Thorold and Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as the previous pilot project in 3 District, we are excited to offer a more compassionate and comprehensive response to those in our community who need it most during their most vulnerable moments.”

Mobile Crisis Response Teams consist of police officers and crisis workers responding to complex situations where mental health or addictions may be a factor. Supported by the police, crisis workers can help determine whether an individual suspected of experiencing a crisis should be sent to an emergency department for treatment and provide connections to community programming and supports if necessary.

“When people need help, every second matters. That is why we are providing training and resources to the police officers and nurses on Ontario’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams so they can best support those facing a mental health or addictions crisis,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General.

“This investment will put the right people in the right places to de-escalate situations that could pose a safety risk. Working together with our police community partners, we are keeping Ontario safe.”

In 2024-25, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to forty police services and Ontario Provincial Police detachments to strengthen their Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.