PHARA Joins Forces with Crime Stoppers to Boost Crime Prevention Education

Near North Crime Stoppers and PHARA Community Services have formed a new partnership focused on crime prevention education and raising awareness about tools available for reporting illegal activity in North Bay and surrounding communities. This collaboration is an important step forward for both organizations and supports new safety measures enacted by the province.

In June 2025, the province passed Bill 10, Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025. Schedule 8 of the legislation, known as the Measures Respecting Premises With Illegal Drug Activity Act, 2025, prohibits a person from knowingly permitting a premises of which the person is a landlord to be used in relation to offences under Acts of Parliament that relate to the production or trafficking of a controlled substance or precursor, or of cannabis.

While PHARA continues to review how this legislation will affect daily operations, the organization is taking proactive steps to strengthen partnerships with community organizations.

“We have always put the safety of our tenants, clients, and staff first,” said Mike Van der Vlist, CEO of PHARA Community Services. “This new partnership with Near North Crime Stoppers gives us another tool to keep everyone safe. We’ll be displaying posters and resources in our offices, at our housing sites, and providing materials directly to tenants and clients.”

The joint campaign will encourage residents to use Crime Stoppers’ anonymous reporting tools to share information with police.

“People can submit tips completely anonymously through our website at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com or by calling 1-800-222-8477,” said Kim Jones, Executive Director of Near North Crime Stoppers. “Those who provide information leading to an arrest or charges can also earn cash rewards. It’s a win-win: you help keep the community safe, and you may receive a financial reward.”

“It is through collaborations, and shared goals, for a safer community that made this partnership happen so quickly,” shared Jones, adding, “This is win for Crimestoppers, for PHARA, and for North Bay.”

For more information about Near North Crime Stoppers—including programs, events, and how to submit a tip, visit www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com. Their 2025 initiative, Know Something? Say Something, could earn you up to $2,000 in cash rewards.

Kim Jones, Executive Director of Near North Crime Stoppers, and Mike Van der Vlist, CEO of PHARA Community Services mark the installation of one of several Crime Stoppers signs being posted at PHARA locations. This is a part of the information sharing and public partnership between the two organizations.