A new Toronto Police Service Community Safety Hub was officially opened at the CF Shops at Don Mills. The communal space is now open to community members.
By Staff Writer — CityWorks Toronto
On September 26, 2025, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) marked a new chapter in community-focused policing with the official opening of a Toronto Police Community Safety Hub at the CF Shops at Don Mills.
Unlike a traditional police station, the hub is designed as a welcoming, accessible and shared community space — one that brings public safety services closer to residents in a setting they already use and trust.
The opening reflects a broader shift in how the city and police service are working to build safety: through visibility, partnership and prevention, not just enforcement.
A Different Kind of Police Presence
The Community Safety Hub is intentionally informal. Located within a busy retail and community destination, it allows residents to engage with police officers and community partners without the barriers often associated with traditional policing environments.
Residents can drop in to:
- Ask questions or raise concerns
- Access information about local safety resources
- Connect with neighbourhood officers
- Learn about crime prevention and community programs
The goal is simple: make public safety approachable, human and embedded in daily life.
Focused on Community Engagement
Toronto Police have increasingly emphasized neighbourhood-based and community-led approaches to safety. The Don Mills hub reflects this strategy by prioritizing relationship-building and early intervention.
Rather than responding only after incidents occur, the hub supports:
- Ongoing dialogue with residents
- Collaboration with social services and community organizations
- Problem-solving approaches tailored to local needs
This model recognizes that many safety concerns — from nuisance issues to social disorder — are best addressed through connection and coordination, not just enforcement.
Why CF Shops at Don Mills
The choice of location was deliberate. CF Shops at Don Mills is a highly accessible, mixed-use destination that draws residents from across the surrounding area — including families, seniors and young people.
By situating the hub in a public, high-traffic environment, TPS aimed to:
- Increase visibility and approachability
- Reduce stigma around seeking help
- Strengthen everyday interactions between officers and the community
For many residents, encountering police in a familiar, non-crisis setting helps build trust and confidence over time.
Part of a Broader Safety Strategy
The Community Safety Hub aligns with the city’s wider efforts to strengthen neighbourhood safety through partnership-based models. In recent years, Toronto has expanded initiatives that bring together police, city divisions and community agencies to address issues such as mental health crises, youth engagement and public space safety.
The hub complements other measures — including neighbourhood community officers, transit safety initiatives and community outreach programs — by providing a consistent, local point of contact.
A Space for the Community
Importantly, the hub is not just for police use. It is intended as a shared community space, hosting conversations, information sessions and outreach activities that reflect local priorities.
By opening its doors in this way, the Toronto Police Service signaled a commitment to transparency and collaboration — reinforcing the idea that safety is a collective effort.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the Community Safety Hub at CF Shops at Don Mills represents a tangible step toward a more community-integrated approach to public safety.
As the city continues to evaluate and refine this model, the hub will serve as a test case for how public institutions can meet people where they are — literally and figuratively.
For residents, the message is clear: support, information and conversation are now closer to home.
