A recent pilot project at the Scarborough Town Centre showed that when police are consistently present, crime drops.
Scarborough isn’t waiting for opportunity—we’re building it. But as we build businesses, welcome newcomers, and invest in growth, there’s one thing we can’t overlook: public safety. Because without safe streets, thriving businesses and vibrant communities can’t take root.
That’s why, as President of the Scarborough Business Association (SBA), I’m proud to stand behind the call for a permanent 43 Division police presence at Scarborough Town Centre (STC) through the proposed S.C.O.P.E. Hub—Safety, Community, Outreach, Police, Engagement.
STC is more than a shopping centre. It’s Scarborough’s heart—a place where over 22 million people a year come to work, shop, access services, and connect. It’s surrounded by growing residential towers, key institutions like the YMCA and Civic Centre, and major transit routes. But with that energy has come a rise in crime that can’t be ignored.
While STC represents just 1.7% of the division’s geography, it accounts for over 15% of all reported thefts, frauds, and major crimes. From 2020 to 2024, the STC area saw a 137% increase in these crimes. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a barrier to growth.
We’ve already seen what works. A recent pilot project at STC showed that when police are consistently present, crime drops. Reported offences fell by nearly 50%, and calls for service declined by more than a third. These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that presence matters.
A permanent S.C.O.P.E. Hub wouldn’t just improve response times. It would create a space for officers to engage with youth, support outreach programs, and build long-term relationships with our community. That’s what real safety looks like—partnership, not just patrols.
The SBA believes this isn’t just a policing issue—it’s an economic one. When local businesses feel safe, they stay. When customers feel safe, they come. And when communities feel supported, they grow stronger together.
We urge the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service to make this investment—not just in infrastructure, but in Scarborough’s future. The opportunity to lead is here. Let’s build it—safely, together.
