Ontario’s Bail Reform Targets Repeat Offenders; Local Police Highlight Community Impact

The proposal would replace the current promise-to-pay system, which requires no money up front and often slows down the collection of forfeited bail.

Ontario is moving ahead with legislation that would require full cash security deposits for people released on bail, a major shift the province says will help protect communities and keep repeat violent offenders behind bars. 

The proposal would replace the current promise-to-pay system, which requires no money up front and often slows down the collection of forfeited bail. The government says the new model would return deposits only if conditions are followed and would give courts and police stronger tools to enforce compliance.

Ontario also plans to expand digital tracking, including a provincewide surety database that would help officers confirm who is supervising accused individuals and identify patterns of reoffending. Bail prosecution teams would grow to strengthen cases involving serious or violent crimes.

Brockville Police Chief Mark Noonan outlined ongoing concerns with the current surety system.

He pointed to how the new proposal may help address those problems.

He pointed out that many repeat offences aren’t classified as violent, yet they continue to affect Brockville neighbourhoods through theft and property damage.

He also highlighted how substance-use problems continue to drive repeat offending locally.

He said police are working closely with community partners but still need stronger accountability tools.

He gave a few final remarks.

Ontario says the changes are part of a broader push to rebuild trust in the justice system and reduce repeat offending. 

The legislation is expected in the coming weeks, with local police leaders watching closely for how it will affect daily operations and public safety in Brockville and the region.

Story by: Evan Gibb