Ontario Investing $32.5 Million to Protect Border Security
New tools will help police services fight illegal drugs, guns and cross-border crime
August 11, 2026
Ministry of the Solicitor General
WINDSOR — As part of its work to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is strengthening border security by investing $32.5 million in new tools, technology and investigative resources that will help police detect, deter and disrupt the smuggling of illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband into Ontario.
"Protecting Ontario starts with strong borders," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "We're giving police the tools they need to stop illegal guns, drugs and organized crime before they reach our communities because every illegal firearm or shipment of drugs intercepted at the border is one less threat to Ontario families."
As part of Operation Deterrence, Ontario is introducing two new border security initiatives: a $30 million Border Security Grant to help eligible municipal and First Nations police services purchase specialized equipment, including drones, marine vessels, radar, thermal imaging cameras, surveillance systems and secure intelligence technology; and a $2.5 million Border Integrity Investigative Fund to support investigations into illegal firearms trafficking, drug smuggling, organized crime and other cross-border criminal activity.
As announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the province is also investing an additional $57 million in two new H 135 helicopters to help support Windsor Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and West Region OPP. The helicopters will strengthen patrols and enforcement at key border crossings and along the U.S. border.
Quick Facts
• The Border Security Grant is available to eligible municipal and First Nations police services with direct international borders or strategic waterway access.
• Since Operation Deterrence launched in 2025, Ontario's enhanced border enforcement measures have helped trace more than 550 illegal firearms, including over 440 connected to the United States, and seize more than 4,100 kilograms of cocaine and 190 kilograms of fentanyl.
Quotes
"Windsor is one of Canada’s most important border communities and trade gateways, and keeping our border secure is essential to protecting residents, businesses and the broader economy. This significant $32.5 million-dollar investment will provide law enforcement with enhanced tools, technology and investigative resources to combat the trafficking of illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband. I thank Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and the Government of Ontario for supporting the officers working every day to safeguard Windsor and communities across the province."
- Drew Dilkins
Mayor, City of Windsor
"The Windsor-Detroit corridor is one of the busiest crossings in North America, and strong border security is essential to the safety of our community. This grant opportunity would help the Windsor Police Service access the tools, resources, and technology needed to deter cross-border crime, disrupt organized criminal networks, and stop illegal drugs, firearms, and other contraband from reaching our community."
- Chief Jason Crowley
Windsor Police Service
Dakota Moniz
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Dakota Moniz 8/11/2026 |
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