Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams to Better Protect Communities
August 29, 2025
Funding will help police in Thunder Bay support people experiencing a mental health crisis
August 29th 2025
Thunder Bay — 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 Thunder Bay 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.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in this initiative especially our dedicated police officers and crisis response professionals. ” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This $240,000 investment over two years will help the Thunder Bay Police Service work alongside trained crisis workers, so that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive the understanding and support they need. It’s a thoughtful, safety-first approach that strengthens community wellbeing, and I’m grateful to see it delivered in Thunder Bay.”
“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.”
For communities where the local police force is receiving the grant, a quote from the local Police Chief may be inserted here. For communities with OPP detachments, a quote from the OPP local commander may be used.
“The Thunder Bay Police Service receives an extraordinary number of calls for service relating to mental health crises. Providing crisis response care at the scene has proven to be effective.” said Darcy Fleury, Chief of the Thunder Bay Police Service. “We are grateful for this funding that supports our continued focused, compassionate, and appropriate assistance to people in need.”
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.