Cornwall to Welcome Ontario Police College

Cornwall Ontario – The Ontario Government is expanding the Basic Constable Training (BCT) program to help police services recruit, train and deploy more officers. For the first time, training will be held simultaneously at two locations – the Ontario Police College in Aylmer and a temporary site in Cornwall, which will allow for an additional 121 recruits to be trained for a combined intake of up to 641 recruits.

“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.”

Training in Cornwall will be delivered at the DEV Hotel and Conference Centre. The program begins on October 6 and will conclude with the March Past and Review Ceremony on December 17.

“The safety and well-being of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry relies on a strong police force to protect our community,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “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.”

In 2023, the Ontario government eliminated the tuition fee for the BCT program, which includes courses in federal law, provincial law, traffic law, human rights, diversity and professional practice, leadership, ethics, mental health for first responders and for people in crisis, de-escalation tactics, firearms, officer safety and fitness for duty.

“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. Expanding BCT capacity is a clear benefit for police services across the province,’ said Shawna Spowart, Chief of Police, Cornwall Police Service. “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.”

About the DEV Centre

The DEV Centre is a 630,000 square foot multi-purpose training and conference facility sitting on 75 acres overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Cornwall, Ontario. With 70,000 sq. ft. of customizable meeting space, onsite dining options, and a wide range of amenities—including a fitness centre, sauna, and outdoor patios—everything is in place for a seamless and memorable experience. Guests enjoy the comforts of home in well-appointed rooms and suites, complete with workspace, high-speed internet, and thoughtful in-room features designed for both relaxation and productivity.

• Web: https://devcentre.ca
• Video: https://youtu.be/9wVaq4fs92s

About the Ontario Police College

The Ontario Police College is one of the largest police training facilities in North America with over 8,000 recruits, police officers, and civilian personnel attending each year.