Waterloo Regional Police Service has a new home in Wilmot Township
By Amanda Nelson
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), in partnership with the Township of Wilmot, officially announced the opening of a new community office within the Wilmot Recreation Complex.
The new space will provide a home for police in the township, creating opportunities for community engagement and visibility. The space will host regular drop-in opportunities, meetings and outreach initiatives designed to strengthen the relationship between the rural community and police.
Mayor Natasha Salonen said she’s happy to have a police space brought back to the township after the rural detachment was removed several years ago.
"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 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.”
Salonen said she hopes the increased police presence will help prevent crimes of opportunity, which have recently increased throughout the township, including car break-ins and organized crime.
“This will help prevent petty theft and crime of opportunity,” she said. “Having a larger police presence and cruisers in the area will deter crime in the township, and the bigger police presence should prevent crime before it gets worse.”
As a key part of WRPS’ Rural Policing Strategy, the space reinforces the service’s commitment to improving police visibility and accessibility in rural communities. The Wilmot office builds on the success of existing WRPS community spaces in North Dumfries and Wellesley townships and reflects the service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in the region’s rural townships.
"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 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 location will serve as a meeting space for residents, community groups and police personnel while supporting local crime prevention and community safety initiatives.
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