What you can apply for
Canada Community Security Program (CCSP)

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• Eligible project activities
• Ineligible project activities

The CCSP supports numerous types of expenditures, such as:

• Purchasing, and/or installing modest security equipment and hardware
• Completing minor renovations to the entrance/lobby area or perimeter of the site for the purpose of enhancing security;
• Developing security assessments, security plans, emergency contingency plans and evacuation plans through certified security professionals;
• Providing training activities on how to use security equipment as well as how to prepare for and respond to a hate-motivated incident through certified security professionals; and,
• Providing time-limited third-party licensed security personnel.

Eligible project expenditures

CCSP is based on the principles of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) which emphasize proactive security measures that enhance safety without creating physical barriers that isolate a site. Instead of barricading or fortifying locations, eligible security enhancements focus on visibility, access control, natural surveillance, and environmental design that deter threats while maintaining openness and accessibility. Structural modifications that restrict movement or create a fortress-like setting are not eligible under CCSP.

Project proposals should align with the objectives of the CCSP. Proposed equipment will be assessed based on reasonability, type and proposed location, the security purpose, whether it is of fair market value, and meets the program's objectives to deter hate-motivated crimes.

Placement of security measures must be focused on the perimeter of the site - entrances and exits, hallways and lobby areas – as enhancements to fortify the exterior and prevent entry. Interior security measures are not supported in enclosed spaces or individual rooms such as, bathrooms, classrooms, offices, kitchens, small rooms, or residential areas of the site, etc.

The CCSP distinguishes expenses under five (5) expense categories.

Public Safety Canada reserves the right to assess and determine the eligibility of all expenses and project activities proposed by the applicant and may either decline funding or provide support up to a specified percentage if the cost exceeds what is deemed reasonable and necessary. Public Safety Canada may request additional documentation such as comparable quotes or price certifications, specification sheets, and/or floorplans if deemed necessary.

The program does not cover expenses related to regular building maintenance or upkeep costs.

Please note that the following list is not exhaustive and does not guarantee eligibility for all items. While it serves as a guideline of potential eligible items, eligibility will depend on the specific project and the specifications of the items requested.

Mixed-Use Items

Mixed-use items are items that have been identified as having the capability of being used beyond security purposes. Like all expenses, mixed-use items must reasonably support the program's objectives and be used for the purposes of enhancing security infrastructure to be considered eligible. Expenses classified as mixed-use items carry additional reimbursement limitations as specified in the following table.

Please note that the mixed-use items list may be amended at any time.

Note: Computers, including laptops, desktops, or workstations, are limited to one device per site under the program. This limit cannot be combined to increase the total number of devices allocated to a single location.

Parameters on Physical Security Enhancement Equipment

Fences

The size of the fence must be proportional to the project site and its eligibility is determined by the presence and condition of any existing fence, and the material specifications of the proposed fence. The CCSP covers various types of fences, including solid wood panels, chain-link, and metal fencing. Solid metal panels, stone, concrete, or any other fencing that creates a solid top-to-bottom barrier, or any other top-tier luxury options, will not be covered.

All fences must comply with local bylaws, and any required permits must be obtained before funding is approved. Replacing an existing fence will only be considered if the new fence significantly enhances security compared to the current installation or if the existing fence is too old and beyond repair. Otherwise, CCSP may only cover the replacement of damaged sections.

Gates

Manual gates are eligible. If an applicant is installing a new fence and gate, and would like to include an automatic gate as part of the installation (but not as a replacement for a functioning gate), CCSP may cover a percentage of the cost based on the market value of a manual gate. CCSP will not cover the replacement of a working manual gate with an automatic gate. Gates with luxury or high-end features are not eligible.

All gates must comply with local bylaws, and any required permits must be obtained before funding is approved. Gate arms, including barrier and swing arms, are not eligible.

Bollards

Standard bollards may be eligible for funding in areas where there is a credible risk of vehicle ramming. This includes locations adjacent to spaces where people are expected to gather, such as playgrounds, community gathering areas, and building entrances. Bollards intended solely to restrict access to parking lots, as well as automatic or retractable bollards, are not eligible for funding. No other types of barriers are eligible under this program.

Lights

Security-rated lighting is eligible under CCSP, provided it meets specific criteria:

• Fixtures must be installed above ground level and positioned exclusively on the exterior of the building.
• All non-pole fixtures must be directly attached to the building structure.
• Lights should be strategically placed to maximize coverage in critical areas such as entrances, exits, exterior pathways, parking lots, and the building perimeter.
• All installations must comply with local bylaws, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Eligibility is contingent on the specifications of the lighting fixtures, and the quantity approved will be based on the proposed installation site and overall size of the location.

Replacement lighting is eligible only when the existing fixtures are broken, non-functional, or pose a safety concern. Replacements driven by energy efficiency, aesthetics, or routine maintenance are not eligible under CCSP.

Broad lighting systems intended to fully illuminate an area as part of regular operations or maintenance are considered operational expenses and fall outside the scope of the program.

Lighting may be approved only when it enhances security, particularly in areas requiring increased visibility to deter hate crimes and ensure the safety of community members during site use.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate the security-related need and provide a strong rationale for both the number and placement of requested lights. Requests for beautification, maintenance, or full-area coverage are not eligible.

For pole light installations, CCSP will only cover the cost of materials and installation directly related to pole light fixtures. It will not cover major renovation work, including but not limited to:

• Trenching;
• Surveying;
• Patching or resurfacing;
• Concrete or asphalt restoration;
• Pole replacement (except where a pole is damaged or non-functional);
• Electrical infrastructure modifications;
• Permit fees or professional engineering services.

Window Film

Security-grade window film may be eligible if it is specifically designated for security purposes to provide protection against break-ins or impact. Only window film for exterior windows is eligible, and it cannot be tinted or decorative. Requests for standard, privacy, sun-control film or mirrored film will not be considered.

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance equipment, including cameras, may be eligible if they meet specific criteria. Cameras are restricted to installation in public areas such as the exterior of the building, entrances and exits, stairs, lobby areas, hallways, and, in certain cases, large prayer rooms. Cameras or other surveillance equipment with biometric or analytical capabilities such as facial recognition, license plate recognition, or appearance search analytics are ineligible. Equipment that does not inherently include these capabilities but requires a license to enable them may still be eligible, though the licenses themselves are not covered by the program.

High-end or top-tier equipment exceeding standard security requirements is not eligible under this program.

Integration systems, such as centralized control platforms, monitoring dashboards, or systems designed to unify old and new video surveillance, and to unify with alarms, access control, or other infrastructure, are not eligible under CCSP.

Parameters on Minor Renovations and Supplementary Equipment

Reinforced Doors

Doors must meet specific criteria to be eligible under CCSP:

• Reinforced doors must be security-grade, constructed without glass, and cannot be decorative or high-end in design. Exceptions for doors with glass may be considered only if the door is continuously monitored by a staffed reception or security desk with a direct line of sight.
• Bulletproof doors are generally not eligible.
• Eligibility is limited to exterior doors only.

Double doors may be eligible only when the entrance requires individuals to first check in at an intake office or room before accessing the main facility. Both doors may be approved under these circumstances, as part of a controlled access strategy.

Reinforcements for Windows

Replacement of windows is no longer eligible under the CCSP. Window reinforcements may qualify, including options such as window locks, polycarbonate or acrylic panels (not to use in combination with window film), security screens, and roller shutters, provided they receive approval from the local fire department. Only exterior windows are eligible for these reinforcements.

Fire Monitoring Equipment

Fire monitoring systems may be considered eligible under the CCSP only when they provide a security-related enhancement beyond standard fire safety requirements.

Eligible components are limited to:

• Fire monitoring panels (connection to alarm monitoring company).
• Smoke detectors.
• Heat detectors.

These items are only eligible when installed as a targeted supplement to existing fire code requirements, and when the enhancement supports the overall security strategy of the site (e.g., additional detectors in vulnerable access points or isolated areas not otherwise required by code).

The following are not eligible under CCSP:

• Full fire system installations for new buildings.
• Complete replacements or upgrades of existing fire systems.
• Sprinkler systems or suppression equipment.
• Fire extinguishers or related accessories.
• General alarm or monitoring systems intended for building operations or maintenance.
• Smart systems or platforms integrated with non-security infrastructure.

Notification and Warning Systems

Public address systems are strictly limited to emergency-only configurations. Systems must be designed and used exclusively for emergency notification or lockdown communication.

The following are not eligible:

• Multi-purpose PA systems used for general intercom, paging, or day-to-day communication.
• Audio systems integrated with school operations, event coordination, or public programming.
• Media consoles, amplifiers, or sound equipment designed to play music or other entertainment content.
• AV systems or speaker setups intended for announcements, broadcasts, or recreational use.

Minor Renovations

Minor renovations are eligible under CCSP only when they serve a direct and specific security purpose within the entrance and lobby areas of the project site. All modifications must clearly support or enhance the physical security infrastructure.

Eligible renovations may include:

• Reinforcement of entryways (e.g. metal door frames).
• Installation of secure barriers or controlled-access features (e.g. Interior security partitions or panels at entry zones, half-walls or enclosed reception counters).
• Layout adjustments that enable monitored access points.

Vestibule construction may be considered eligible only if the space is designed and used as an intake area—where individuals must check in or interact with staff before accessing the main facility. To qualify, the vestibule must:

• Create a secure buffer zone between exterior and interior access.
• Support controlled entry through security-grade doors.
• Be positioned to enable staff monitoring or interaction upon arrival.

Covered costs may include basic framing, security-grade doors and hardware, structural finishes necessary for functionality, and wiring limited to powering approved security equipment. HVAC, decorative finishes, climate-control systems, or amenities unrelated to intake or security will not be funded.

Renovations must be minimal, targeted, and clearly justified as essential components of an approved security enhancement. Any work that does not directly support the installation or function of eligible security infrastructure will not be considered under CCSP.

Parameters on security personnel and paid duty officers

Security personnel services are eligible during periods of high risk.

CCSP defines higher periods of risk as on-site events focusing on community gatherings such as:

• Community gatherings during religious holidays or ceremonies,
• Anniversaries of previous attacks,
• Persistent individual threats, and
• The immediate aftermath of severe hate-motivated incident.

Other events may be eligible but they must be open to the public. This means individual-focused celebrations (bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, funerals, dinners), private parties, and exclusive events are not eligible. Eligible events must be publicly advertised, expected to have more attendees than during a regular gathering, and be one-time occurrences. Additionally, eligible events should address issues or have a meaningful connection to themes associated with hate crimes, such as race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, language, gender, gender identity, or physical or mental disability.

CCSP does not support security for ongoing, core operating expenses. Ongoing activities are those that occur daily or at the same times each day or week indefinitely (e.g. shabbat, Sunday service, etc).

Private security personnel consultants, K9 units, team leads, elite security units, supervisory coverage, or any additional leadership capacities are not eligible for funding. Leadership expenses for paid duty officers will depend on the requirements stipulated by the police of jurisdiction. While police vehicles may be eligible, strong reasoning must be provided in the application. Private security personnel vehicles are only eligible if the site is too large to patrol on foot or in cases of harsh weather conditions.

CCSP will determine the approval of security personnel or paid-duty police officer(s) deployment based on industry standards surrounding the following two conditions:

1. Location & Size: 1 security personnel or paid-duty police officer(s) for every 1,000 square feet.
2. Expected Number of Attendees: 1 security personnel or paid-duty police officer(s) for every 100 attendees.

Private security personnel costs may be considered for funding provided they align with industry standard pricing. Costs exceeding market value rates will either not be eligible or may only be partially covered.

Please ensure to request the license number of the entity that will be providing the security personnel services when requesting the quote. All security personnel must be licensed by the province where they operate.

Parameters on training related to responding to a hate-motivated event

The program supports training on how to respond to hate-motivated incidents. The training proposed must be relevant and align with the program's objectives. The training provider must meet the qualifications listed below.

Training is supported for staff and volunteers of the organization as a limited series of training sessions (e.g., a 2 to 3 day workshop). Please also note that security guard training is not eligible.

Types of trainings supported by this program include, but are not limited to:

• Armed intruder event trainings (active attacker training);
• Victim and post-traumatic event seminars/information workshops;
• Conflict avoidance and violence prevention courses (except non-violent crisis intervention courses);
• Crisis intervention workshops; and,
• Hate crime awareness seminars/information workshops.

Other types of training can be considered as components of a larger curriculum focused on responding to hate-motivated crimes, but they should not be stand-alone programs or intended to certify staff or volunteers as part of their core operating duties. These include:

• First Aid training courses.
• Self-defense trainings (without weapons only).
• Mental health awareness and de-escalation courses.

Public Safety Canada requires the following additional information if selected for funding:

• Detailed curriculum and course description;
• Training timeline/schedule;
• Instructor qualifications which include:
  • Professional resume or CV showing relevant experience;
  • Educational credentials (e.g. diplomas, degrees, certifications);
  • Training certifications from recognized organizations (e.g. First Aid, CPTED; security-specific training); and/or,
  • Industry-specific licenses or registrations, if applicable.
• Any additional information, if requested.

Ineligible project expenditures

Although the program supports a variety of expenses, there are expenses the program does not support. Expenses outlined below are examples of ineligible expenses and are not meant as a definitive list. Public Safety Canada will assess the eligibility of all expenses and project activities in accordance with the program's objectives.

Please note that the following activities are not eligible for CCSP funding, even if related security equipment depends on them:

• Large-scale excavation or structural construction.
• Internet or network infrastructure installation.
• Electrical upgrades for general building power.
• Renovations beyond the entrance or lobby area.
• Energy efficiency improvements, decorative enhancements, or routine maintenance.
• Accessibility upgrades unrelated to security.