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The Town of Midland is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive community for all residents. Through partnerships with local organizations, neighbouring municipalities, and service providers, the Town supports initiatives that promote community well-being, connect people with needed resources, enhance public spaces, and strengthen community safety.
The Town of Midland has implemented a Security Patrol Pilot Program to help deter vandalism, mischief, and other unlawful activity affecting municipal property and public spaces, and to help protect taxpayer-funded infrastructure.
Like many communities, Midland experiences incidents of vandalism and damage to public infrastructure. These incidents can impact the use and enjoyment of public spaces, create additional costs for taxpayers, and divert municipal resources away from other priorities.
Approved by Midland Town Council on June 24, 2026, the program includes overnight security patrols in Little Lake Park and a visible security presence within Midland's downtown area. The initiative is intended to complement existing enforcement and emergency services and does not replace the role of police.
Security personnel provide a visible presence, patrol designated areas, observe and document incidents, and report concerns to the appropriate authorities when required. Security personnel are not responsible for law enforcement and will contact the Ontario Provincial Police, municipal by-law enforcement, emergency services, or other agencies as appropriate.
Overnight security patrols are operating within Little Lake Park seven days per week from 10pm–5am* through October 15, 2026. Security personnel conduct vehicle patrols throughout the park, monitor for vandalism, mischief, and other concerns, document incidents, and report issues to the appropriate authorities when required. Daily activity reports are also provided to Town staff.
*Security patrol hours will be monitored and may be adjusted as needed.
A dedicated security patrol is operating within Midland's downtown area Monday through Friday from 9am–5pm through December 31, 2026. Security personnel provide a visible presence, conduct foot and vehicle patrols, monitor for concerns, and report unlawful activity to the appropriate authorities when required. The service is intended to complement existing municipal and policing resources.
Security Patrol Pilot Program
Are security guards replacing police officers?
No. Security personnel do not replace police services. Their role is to provide a visible presence, observe and document incidents, and contact the appropriate authorities when required.
Why are the patrol hours different between Little Lake Park and the downtown area?
Patrol schedules were developed based on the objectives of each service and the timing of reported concerns. Overnight patrols in Little Lake Park are intended to help address vandalism and damage occurring after park hours, while downtown security services provide a visible daytime presence within the community.
What streets does the patrolled downtown area include?
Downtown security patrols operate within the area bounded by Bayshore Drive, Midland Avenue, Yonge Street, and First Street.
Council approved funding for the Security Patrol Pilot Program as part of resolutions adopted on June 24, 2026. Funding for the Little Lake Park security patrol pilot was approved at up to $50,000, with additional funding approved for downtown security services.
Council directed that the pilot program be evaluated to determine its effectiveness in deterring vandalism and unlawful activity, protecting municipal assets, and reducing costs associated with damage and repairs. Town staff will monitor the program’s effectiveness and report back to Council with findings and recommendations for future consideration, in accordance with Council direction.
In May 2024, the County of Simcoe and the Town released a Community Response Toolkit and Who to Call poster which is a quick-reference guide with contact information for both emergency and non-emergency services, including mental health, housing, and other community supports to help residents access the right supports when needed.
The refreshed 2025 North Simcoe Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, first launched in 2021, is a joint effort by Midland, Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Tay and Tiny. Focused on proactive, community-level strategies, the plan aims to improve social outcomes and enhance the well-being of all residents. Learn more about CSWB in Simcoe County.
This work aligns with the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities Framework, which outlines key foundations for building communities that support aging well. Learn more about Midland's Age-Friendly Community Plan.
The Town and Midland Public Library hosted its third symposium on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a theme of building empathy and awareness of how poverty impacts access to safe and stable housing. Read the media release.
