Funding for security cameras, alarms and access control through the Canada Community Security Program
For places of worship, private schools, community centres, shelters, child care centres and other not-for-profit gathering places in Alberta and BC.
The quick answer
The Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), run by Public Safety Canada, gives time-limited funding to Canadian private not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk of hate-motivated incidents or crimes, to improve security at their gathering spaces. It can pay for security cameras, intrusion alarms, access control, lighting, barriers, door and window reinforcement, security assessments and training. Unless otherwise approved, it covers up to 70% of eligible project costs, to a maximum set by the program. Applications are accepted online year-round, and each one needs at least one itemized quote from a vendor. We can assess your site and write that quote, then install the work once you’re approved.
Please note: General information. Eligibility and funding decisions are made by Public Safety Canada. Check the program page before applying.
Who can apply
Canadian private, not-for-profit organizations, associations and societies that are clearly linked to a community at risk of hate-motivated incidents or crimes. The work has to take place at one of the eligible site types below.
| Eligible site | What the program describes |
|---|---|
| Places of worship | Temples, mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras, churches and other places where people gather to worship. |
| Private schools | Provincially or territorially recognized private schools, including primary and secondary schools. Proof of recognition is required. |
| Community centres | Drop-in centres, friendship centres and other places where a community gathers for social or cultural activities. |
| Shelters | Gender-based violence shelters, including women’s shelters, 2SLGBTQI+ shelters and transitional housing. |
| Child care centres | Child care centres run by eligible not-for-profit organizations. |
| Cemeteries | Cemeteries run by eligible organizations. |
| Offices | Victim support, community outreach, cultural and religious support centres, immigrant resource offices and similar spaces. |
| Camps | Summer, faith-based, cultural and language camps run by not-for-profit organizations. |
Not eligible: Crown corporations, government bodies, publicly funded institutions, for-profit organizations, clubs and individuals. Residential dwellings aren’t eligible, except shelters serving victims of gender-based violence.
Do you need to have had an incident?
No. The program says an organization can apply without a history of hate-motivated incidents, as long as it meets the eligibility rules and explains the risk to its site, so a project can be preventive. The application does need supporting documents, such as media articles or a police report, showing that the community the organization serves is at risk of hate-motivated crime.
Organizations that have had a severe hate-motivated incident in the last two months may qualify for a priority assessment, with extra documents such as a police report.
What the program pays for
| Category | Examples from the program |
|---|---|
| Security equipment | Surveillance camera systems, intrusion detection, physical access controls, lighting, protective barriers, security-grade window film and anti-graffiti coatings. |
| Minor renovations | Reinforced doors and windows, fire monitoring, notification and warning systems, landscaping and minor security work at main entrances. |
| Planning | Security (vulnerability) assessments, security plans and protocols, and emergency plans. |
| Training | Training staff and volunteers to prepare for or respond to a hate-motivated incident. |
| Security personnel | Time-limited third-party licensed security staff or off-duty police officers. |
The program’s application guide says maintenance agreements, warranties, subscriptions, monitoring services and other ongoing costs aren’t eligible. Plan for those in your own budget.
How much it covers
Unless otherwise approved, the CCSP funds up to 70% of eligible project costs, to a maximum set by the program for each project. Your organization pays the rest. The funding is a contribution: eligible costs are reimbursed when the organization meets the conditions and reporting requirements, and the use of the funds can be audited.
Each project site normally needs its own application, unless the buildings are within the same property line.
How applying works
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Check eligibility | Read the program’s eligibility pages and confirm your organization and site type. |
| 2. Assess the site | Walk the site and decide what each security measure is for and which risk it lowers. |
| 3. Get a quote | At least one itemized quote from a legitimate vendor with a valid GST/HST number, covering every item you ask for. Items that aren’t in a quote aren’t considered. |
| 4. Apply online | Complete the online form with a work plan and attach the quote and supporting documents. Applications are accepted any time. |
| 5. Decision | Public Safety Canada aims to decide within one month of receiving an application. Higher volumes can take longer. |
| 6. Install and report | Once you have an approved agreement, the work goes ahead and your organization reports on it as the agreement requires. |
How Hightower helps
Before you apply
- A site security assessment: entrances, doors, parking, lighting and blind spots
- An itemized quote listing every camera, reader, lock, sensor and hour of labour
- Equipment specification sheets, if the program asks for them
- Plain answers to the technical questions in your work plan
After approval
- Installation of cameras, alarms, access control and video intercom
- Invoices and as-built documents to support your reporting
- Admin access and full documentation, handed over on every project
- Ongoing service and monitoring, budgeted separately
We can’t guarantee approval. Public Safety Canada makes the decision, and your organization submits the application, work plan and supporting documents.
Systems that often fit these sites
Security cameras on entrances, parking and the outside of the building; intrusion alarms for after hours; access control so doors lock on a schedule and only the right people get in; and a video intercom so staff can see who’s at the door before letting them in. Where the site needs it, we add lockdown buttons and remote video monitoring through our monitoring partner, paid for outside the program.
We help not-for-profit organizations across Alberta and BC, from offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Kelowna.
Thinking about applying?
We’ll walk your site, talk through the risks and prepare an itemized quote for your application.
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Security funding questions
Who can apply for CCSP funding?
Canadian private, not-for-profit organizations, associations and societies clearly linked to a community at risk of hate-motivated incidents or crimes, for an eligible site such as a place of worship, recognized private school, community centre, shelter, child care centre, cemetery, office or camp.
Do we need to have had a hate-motivated incident to apply?
No. The program says organizations don’t need a history of incidents. You do need to show, with supporting documents, that the community you serve is at risk.
What does the CCSP pay for?
Security equipment such as cameras, alarms, access control, lighting and barriers, minor renovations such as door and window reinforcement, security assessments and plans, training and time-limited security staff.
How much of the project does the CCSP cover?
Unless otherwise approved, up to 70% of eligible project costs, to a maximum set by the program. Your organization covers the rest.
Can you help with our CCSP application?
Yes. We assess the site, write an itemized quote with equipment details and answer technical questions. Your organization submits the application. We can’t guarantee approval.
When can we apply for the CCSP?
Any time. The program accepts online applications year-round.
How long does a CCSP decision take?
Public Safety Canada says it aims to decide within one month of receiving an application. Higher volumes can take longer.
Are publicly funded schools or businesses eligible for the CCSP?
No. Publicly funded institutions, Crown corporations, government bodies, for-profit organizations, clubs and individuals aren’t eligible.
Does the CCSP pay for alarm or video monitoring?
No. The application guide lists monitoring services, subscriptions, warranties and maintenance agreements as not eligible. We can set up monitoring through our monitoring partner, paid separately.
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Get a quote for your application
Tell us about your organization, the site and what worries you most. We’ll book a site assessment and prepare an itemized quote.
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