Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Team for The Region of Waterloo
Funding will allow police and mental health professionals to help people in crisis
NEWS
January 28th, 2025
Kitchener — The Ontario government is providing $220,311.00 to help the Waterloo Region Police Service and Guelph 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.
“Under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford, our government is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Mike Harris, MPP Kitchener-Conestoga. “This funding will enhance the capabilities of our local Mobile Crisis Response Teams, allowing them to provide immediate, specialized support during mental health crises. By integrating trained mental health professionals with our police services, we can offer more compassionate, effective interventions that are tailored to the needs of individuals in distress. This investment reaffirms our commitment to building a supportive, responsive mental health infrastructure right here in the region”.
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.
“Mobile Crisis Response Teams will ensure people in crisis get the right help at the right time,’” said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South – Hespeler. “By connecting individuals to mental health professionals and community supports early, these teams help de-escalate situations and prevent them from becoming more serious. This investment will provide better outcomes for individuals and their families, while also helping police focus on keeping our communities safe.”
In 2024-25, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 40 police services and Ontario Provincial Police detachments to strengthen their Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.
QUOTES
“This new funding for the IMPACT program continues to be a game-changer for our community,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington. “By teaming up CMHA WW crisis workers with police, we’re able to give people the right kind of help when they’re facing a mental health crisis. This program makes a big difference by reducing unnecessary 911 calls and hospital emergency room visits, ensuring that people in crisis get the support they need right, where they are. It also benefits both our crisis and police teams by allowing them to work together, share expertise, and respond to situations more effectively and safely. This funding helps strengthen our partnership and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”
“On behalf of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), I would like to extend my appreciation to the Government of Ontario for their investment in supportive mental health crisis care in Waterloo Region. Our goal with this innovative partnership with the Guelph Police Service and the Canadian Mental Health Association is to ensure that we are providing greater community-based resources for those experiencing a mental health crisis. This funding will support the hiring of additional crisis response workers to provide enhanced coverage during overnight hours and holidays.” – Chief Mark Crowell, WRPS
“This critical funding will enhance our ability to support individuals in crisis with the right care at the right time. Through this partnership with the Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Canadian Mental Health Association, we can provide more community-based resources for those in need. This funding reinforces our shared goal of creating safer, healthier communities by fostering collaboration and improving outcomes for individuals in need of this support.” – Chief Gord Cobey, Guelph Police Service.
QUICK FACTS
▪ The Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness to build Ontario’s mental health and addictions system.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
▪ Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant