Police services are getting five helicopters to enhance community safety in the Durham, GTA, Ottawa, Halton and Peel Regions, according to Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes.
They will be part of a Joint Air Support Unit, said Barnes, who assisted with the acquisition of the five helicopters.
As part of a new Joint Air Support Unit, the Ontario Provincial Police will acquire two new H135 helicopters to provide support to Ottawa and Toronto Police Services. In addition, three helicopters will be procured, owned and operated by Durham, Halton and Peel Regional Police Services to support current patrols and improve response times.
To fight against car thieves and organized crime, the Ontario government is investing $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. Equipped with the latest technology, the helicopters will help keep highways and roadways safe from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing and impaired driving, said a recent province statement.
“With Durham Region growing rapidly, keeping our community safe is a top priority for us all,” said MPP Barnes. “This funding reflects our commitment to providing our officers with the resources they need to protect us and effectively combat issues like auto theft and organized crime. Together we’re making sure our communities are protected and well-served.”
The investment in new helicopters was announced in the 2024 Ontario Budget and builds on the province’s $51 million investment to support the OPP’s Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and Ontario’s Major Auto Theft Prosecution Response Team.
“We are investing directly in the wellbeing of Ontario families, who deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities,” said Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. “With these five new helicopters patrolling our roadways and neighbourhoods, we’re sending a clear message to criminals that we do not tolerate threats to public safety.”
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