WINDSOR, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $32.5 million in new border security programs aimed at helping police services combat illegal firearms, drug smuggling, organized crime and other cross-border criminal activity.
The funding, announced in Windsor, will provide eligible municipal and First Nations police services with access to specialized equipment and investigative resources. The investment forms part of Ontario’s broader Operation Deterrence initiative and comes as provincial authorities increase enforcement efforts along the Canada-U.S. border and strategic waterways.
“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.”
Ontario Creates $30 Million Border Security Grant
The largest portion of the new investment is a $30-million Border Security Grant for eligible municipal and First Nations police services.
Funding can be used to acquire specialized technology and equipment intended to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement capabilities in communities located along international borders or waterways considered strategically important.
Eligible purchases include drones, marine vessels, radar equipment, thermal imaging cameras, surveillance systems and secure intelligence technology.
The province said eligibility will focus on police services that have direct international borders or strategic waterway access, reflecting the particular challenges faced by communities along Ontario’s extensive border with the United States.
$2.5 Million Fund Targets Cross-Border Investigations
Ontario is allocating another $2.5 million to a Border Integrity Investigative Fund.
The program will support investigations involving illegal firearms trafficking, drug smuggling, organized criminal networks and other cross-border offences.
The two initiatives are being introduced under Operation Deterrence, Ontario’s broader effort to strengthen enforcement at border crossings and surrounding regions.
According to provincial figures, enhanced enforcement measures since Operation Deterrence launched in 2025 have helped authorities trace more than 550 illegal firearms. More than 440 of those firearms were connected to the United States.
Authorities have also seized more than 4,100 kilograms of cocaine and 190 kilograms of fentanyl under enhanced border enforcement efforts, according to the province.
Windsor-Detroit Corridor a Focus of Border Security Efforts
Windsor’s location opposite Detroit makes the region a major focus for both security and trade policy. The Windsor-Detroit corridor handles substantial cross-border commercial and passenger traffic, making uninterrupted and secure border operations important to businesses and supply chains on both sides of the border.
“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
Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Crowley said additional resources could strengthen local efforts against organized cross-border crime.
“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
Province Adding Two H-135 Helicopters for Border Patrols
The $32.5-million announcement comes alongside a separate provincial investment in aerial enforcement capabilities.
As outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the province is investing an additional $57 million in two new H-135 helicopters to support Windsor Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police’s West Region.
Aircraft to Support Patrols Along U.S. Border
The helicopters are intended to strengthen patrol and enforcement operations around key border crossings and other areas along Ontario’s boundary with the United States.
Together, the helicopter investment, Border Security Grant and investigative funding represent an expanded provincial approach combining surveillance technology, police equipment and targeted investigative resources.
For Ontario, the measures also connect border security with economic considerations. With Windsor and other border communities serving as critical gateways for Canada-U.S. commerce, provincial officials are positioning stronger enforcement as part of efforts to protect communities while maintaining confidence in major trade corridors.