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.

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.

Preventing crime and promoting safety are part of the Open Ontario Plan to provide safe communities for Ontario families to live and learn.

• 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.

• Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police