Newly opened Wilmot policing office pushes to ‘keep our communities safe’: WRPS

Residents in Wilmot are set to have a closer connection to ongoing policing efforts, as Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has officially opened the doors of its new community office in the heart of the local township.

The local police service, alongside the Township of Wilmot, made the announcement Tuesday, Oct. 13, unveiling its new policing office located right within the Wilmot Recreation Complex.

WRPS said the new community space will work to “serve as a local point of connection between Wilmot residents and WRPS, providing opportunities for community engagement and visibility.”

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That will be done through regular drop-in opportunities, meetings, and outreach initiatives designed to “strengthen connections between police and the community.”

“Community policing is built on strong relationships, trust, and collaboration. This new community office represents our commitment to ensuring residents in Wilmot Township have direct access to their police service,” said WRPS Chief Mark Crowell.

“This space will provide residents with opportunities to connect with officers, share concerns, and work together to keep our communities safe.”

The move is being done as part of WRPS’ Rural Policing Strategy, which pushes to build the region’s policing efforts while further expanding and connecting in some of the region’s more rural communities, all while improving “police visibility and accessibility.”

“Since taking office as Mayor, I have consistently heard from residents about the importance of restoring a more visible police presence in Wilmot following the closure of our former local station,” said Wilmot Township Mayor Natasha Salonen.

“After four years of advocacy and collaboration with Chief Crowell, Waterloo Regional Police, and our Township team, I am thrilled to see this partnership come to fruition with the opening of a new WRPS office at the Wilmot Recreation Complex in Baden.”

The newly opened Wilmot office adds to the list of community spaces opened by WRPS in some of the townships across Waterloo Region, with two others located in North Dumfries and Wellesley.

The local service said the site, like the two others, will serve as a meeting space for residents, community groups, and police personnel while supporting local crime prevention and community safety initiatives.