Ontario Investing $12.75 Million to Combat Hate Crimes and Protect Communities Whitby
March 23, 2026
Whitby organizations receiving funding to enhance security
NEWS | March 23, 2026
WHITBY— The Ontario government is taking action to protect communities and
combat hate incidents by investing an additional $12.75 million in the Anti-Hate Security
and Prevention Grant (AHSP). The grant helps faith-based and cultural organizations
implement safety measures, including security guards, building upgrades and
surveillance cameras to ensure their community spaces remain safe and secure.
“Our faith-based community in Whitby plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and
unity of our residents,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to
the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and Children,
Community and Social Services. “Protecting these organizations is essential, and with
our Government’s investment, they will be able to strengthen safety measures so they
can continue their remarkable work, making Whitby an extraordinary place to live, grow,
and raise a family.”
Recipients in Whitby and Brooklin are:
• St. Leo the Great Parish – $7,500
• Brooklin United Church – $7,500
• St. Thomas’ Church Brooklin – $7,500
• Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region – $10,000
• Whitby Christian Assembly – $10,000
Since 2021, the government has invested over $98 million to support over 3,000 faith
based and cultural communities through the AHSP grant. The grant provides up to
$10,000 to community organizations to improve or implement new measures to protect
their spaces from hate-related incidents.
“God willing, we look forward to a time when we can live in peace and harmony and
programs like this will no longer be necessary. For now, however, this support is both
vital and reassuring to our community, enabling us to strengthen our security
infrastructure and training. We are deeply grateful.” –
Rabbi Tzali Borenstein, Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region
“St. Leo the Great Parish gratefully acknowledges the Ontario Government for offering
the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant and thank you to the office of MPP Lorne
Coe for helping us through the process to achieve such a generous amount in support
of providing a safe and secure place of worship for the community.” –
Father EL-Rassi Mounir, St. Leo the Great Parish
‘In a time when hate seeks to divide and many feel vulnerable, your contribution affirms
that love endures, light prevails, and community is sacred. We are grateful for your
support and for standing with us in this sacred work of promoting unity, compassion,
and understanding, and providing a safe, welcoming space for all.” –
Rev. Douglas Barnes, St. Thomas’ Church, Brooklin
“Providing a space that is both welcoming and safe is part of our spiritual mandate. We
appreciate the support that this grant will provide to help us ensure that our building is
safe for everyone that uses it.” -Bonny Langille, Treasurer, Brooklin United Church
Quick Facts
- Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Organizations can
review eligibility and learn more at Ontario.ca/AHSP
- Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities have been
among the most targeted groups of hate crimes in recent years.
- The Ontario government has allocated more than $2 million through the 2024
2026 Safer and Vital Communities Grant program. This funding will help 15
community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nations Chiefs and Band
Councils with projects focused on preventing hate crimes.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141