York Regional Police Service Board Invests $100,000 Towards the York Region Mental Health Community Care Center
December 15, 2025
Newmarket, ON – On October 28, 2025, at the York Regional Police Service Board meeting, the Board announced its support of $100,000 towards the Lead the Way campaign for the York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre (the Centre). Estimated to open in 2027, the Centre will be a leading-edge facility providing support for individuals aged 12+ experiencing mental health and/or addiction crises. York Regional Police is a partner on the Centre, working together with the lead agency, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe, to ensure seamless care.
“The Board recognizes CMHA York Region and South Simcoe’s long-standing leadership in promoting mental wellness, community integration, and recovery from mental illness and addiction. Serving more than 20,000 individuals last year alone, CMHA continues to improve access to care, reduce wait times, and bring vital, compassionate support to underserved communities,” said Board Chair Steve Pellegrini. “We are proud to contribute funding for this transformative new centre for our Region, which reflects our ongoing investment into building a healthier, more resilient community for all.”
York Region has seen a rising dependence on police mental health services, including an average of 17 calls a day related to mental health. Police received more than 6,000 mental health calls last year, including repeat calls from 350 people classified as "chronic users" of the department's services. Emergency room visits related to mental health and substance use in the region are projected to rise by 63 per cent by 2029.
“We are grateful for the partnership and support of the York Regional Police Service Board as we work with the community to develop and open the Centre,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region and South Simcoe. “We know how important their role is in keeping individuals and the community safe, which is a huge asset to the Centre. Working together, we can truly ensure someone’s first mental health and/or addictions crisis is their last. We're thrilled to have the York Regional Police Service Board support with this mission.”
The Centre will deliver a full spectrum of services, including specialized treatments, peer support, clinical care, addiction and psychiatric services, and youth and family assistance to meet the diverse needs of the community. It is estimated that two-thirds of the Centre’s clients will be diverted from emergency departments, reducing system pressures, and improving overall healthcare accessibility in the region.
For more information about the Centre and to stay up to date on its progress, visit https://www.thecentre-yr.ca/.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.
CMHA York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is one of the fastest-growing branches of CMHA, supporting over 22,000 individuals last year alone. CMHA-YRSS' mission is to deliver quality mental health and addictions services that promote recovery and health, and end stigma. With more than 30 programs across the region, the organization is a leader in health care delivery and an active partner in research. Learn more at www.cmha-yr.on.ca.
For more information:
Cheryn Thoun, Senior Director, Communications
Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe
For more information on The Regional Municipality of York Police Service Board, please visit yrpsb.ca.
Contact: psb@yrp.ca, 1-866-876-54235 ext. 3000
The Regional Municipality of York Police Service Board is a seven-member civilian Board that oversees and governs the York Regional Police. A municipal Board is comprised of one member as Head of Municipal Council or other appointed member of council; three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
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