Cornwall — Ontario is expanding its police training capacity with the launch of a temporary Basic Constable Training (BCT) program site in Cornwall this fall. The initiative will allow an additional 121 recruits to begin training, bringing the total fall intake to as many as 641, the largest class in the province’s history.
The move is part of the government’s broader plan to bolster public safety and support police services facing rising recruitment demands. For the first time, BCT will run simultaneously at two sites — the Ontario Police College in Aylmer and a temporary facility at Cornwall’s DEV Hotel and Conference Centre. Training begins October 6 and will conclude with the March Past and Review Ceremony on December 17.
A First Step Toward Policing Careers
“Ontario’s Basic Constable Training program is the critical first step to becoming a police officer in this province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “When Ontarians are in need, it is our police officers who answer the call to protect us and keep our communities safe. By expanding training this fall in Cornwall, our government is supporting police services and their recruitment efforts, ensuring they have the additional constables needed to protect our communities.”
The program covers courses in federal and provincial law, traffic regulations, human rights, diversity, leadership, ethics, and mental health crisis response. Recruits also receive training in firearms use, de-escalation tactics, officer safety, and physical fitness. In 2023, the province eliminated tuition fees for the program to attract more candidates into policing.
Local and Provincial Leaders Welcome Expansion
Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, said the decision reflects the importance of strengthening public safety in his region and beyond.
“The safety and well-being of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry relies on a strong police force to protect our community,” Quinn said. “By expanding basic constable training, our government is adding more officers to police forces across the province to help keep our streets and loved ones safe today, and into the future.”
Cornwall Police Chief Shawna Spowart said her service was pleased to host the additional recruits.
“We are very pleased that the Ontario Police College has chosen our city to host an additional Basic Constable Training class for the fall intake,” Spowart said. “Expanding BCT capacity is a clear benefit for police services across the province. With our outstanding DEV Centre facility, recruits in this class will receive high-quality training that equips them for a successful career in policing. This initiative directly supports Cornwall Police Service’s vision of ‘a safe Cornwall where everyone can thrive and belong.’ We extend a warm welcome to the college and the incoming recruits to our city and are confident they will find both our community and our facilities supportive and inspiring.”
Partnerships Across Policing Sector
Stakeholders across Ontario’s policing sector underscored the importance of expanding training capacity at a time when demand for new officers is rising.
“This announcement reflects the partnership between government, police services, and police governance boards in meeting Ontario’s public safety needs,” said Al Boughton, Chair of the Ontario Association of Police Service Boards. “By expanding training capacity, we are preparing new officers for service while strengthening the governance systems that ensure policing remains effective, accountable, and trusted.”
Mark Baxter, President of the Police Association of Ontario, also welcomed the move.
“The Police Association of Ontario is proud to support this one-time expansion of the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training program being held in Cornwall, Ontario,” Baxter said. “By opening more seats, we are enabling police services across the province to attract, train and deploy more officers in the communities we serve. We wish the combined 641 recruits the best of luck and look forward to celebrating them at the March Past and Review Ceremony in December.”
Addressing Demand for Frontline Officers
Frontline organizations emphasized that the expansion is a response to urgent operational needs.
“The Ontario government’s decision to expand basic constable training is a significant and welcome step toward addressing the urgent need for more frontline officers,” said David Sabatini, Acting President of the OPP Association. “By establishing a temporary second training location in Cornwall, this initiative will accelerate the recruitment and deployment of officers across the province. Our members are dedicated to protecting their communities, and this investment will strengthen their ability to do so. It demonstrates a clear and meaningful commitment to public safety in Ontario.”
Clayton Campbell, President of the Toronto Police Association, pointed to hiring commitments in Toronto as evidence of growing demand.
“Police services across Ontario are recruiting and hiring police cadets at record levels, especially in Toronto where the Multi-Year Hiring Plan has committed to adding hundreds of officers over the coming years,” Campbell said. “Thanks to the investment by Premier Ford and his government, the expansion of Basic Constable Training allows for more officers to be hired, trained, and deployed back into communities where they are needed most.”
Looking Ahead
The fall expansion represents a temporary measure, but officials say it reflects a larger government commitment to strengthening Ontario’s policing workforce. By widening access to training, the province aims to accelerate the deployment of new officers and address gaps across urban and rural communities.
With more than 600 recruits in training this fall, Ontario’s policing sector is preparing for its largest intake in years — a development that provincial leaders argue is essential to protecting public safety in a period of heightened demand.
