The province announced that it has allocated more than $100 million to purchase five new helicopters for use by police services in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa to help combat car theft and street racing.

While the province allocated funds in its latest budget to purchase four new police helicopters, Ontario announced on Monday that it plans to spend $134 million to purchase five new machines, significantly more than the $36 million that was allocated in the budget.

When asked about the increase in cost, the Premier said that the province initially intended to lease four new helicopters for police services but has now chosen to purchase them outright.

Speaking during a press conference held in Mississauga this morning, Premier Doug Ford said that the province believes that purchasing the helicopters will be a "great investment."

Ford stated, "We will stop crime. We will avoid high-speed police chases and fatalities, and we will give the police the tools they need."

"If you go to any major city anywhere, especially in the United States, you will find that they have helicopters because they can cover much larger areas than police cars and are safer. So it’s a great investment, and we can’t wait to catch the bad guys."

According to the province, as part of the "Joint Air Support Unit," the Ontario Provincial Police will purchase two new H135 helicopters to provide support for police in Ottawa and Toronto.

The remaining three helicopters will be purchased for police services in the Durham Region, Halton Region, and Peel Region. These helicopters will be owned and operated independently by these police services.

Ford added, "This new fleet of helicopters will be a huge boost for community safety. They will help keep highways safe from violent car thefts, street racing, and drunk drivers. They will allow for faster and safer pursuits of stolen vehicles and assist police in locating and apprehending vulnerable suspects."

"This investment is a strong message to all criminals and thugs involved in violent and organized crime. You people who steal cars and commit violent crimes, we are coming for you, and we will catch you and put you behind bars."

Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Kari Dart said that this is the first time in the history of the Ontario Provincial Police that they will provide "dedicated air support" to other police services.

When asked why Toronto and Ottawa do not own and operate their new helicopters, Dart said that this model is the best for the Ontario Provincial Police.

She stated that the "advanced" helicopters being purchased to assist Toronto and Ottawa are the same type currently in the fleet of the regional police service.

Dart said, "These helicopters are not just machines; they are vital tools that enhance our ability to protect those who live, work, and visit Ontario."