The police in the York region will establish a second command center today, Tuesday, following local security concerns amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The police stated that these community awareness efforts will involve deploying the York Regional Police (YRP) RIDE truck to several locations throughout the area until at least next Monday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the mobile command center will be located in Vaughan in the eastern parking lot of Canada’s Wonderland, near Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive.

It will then be moved to the Armadale Community Centre at 2401 Denison Street in Markham on Thursday and Friday.

During the weekend, the mobile command center will be stationed at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, near Rutherford Road and Young Street.

The initial command center at the Promenade Shopping Centre in Thornhill will remain open, and both locations will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The police stated in a press release that officers at both locations are tasked with engaging citizens, taking reports, and discussing community concerns with them.

Victim Services representatives in the York region will also be present as needed.

The police said, "Furthermore, additional police patrols will be conducted during daytime and evening hours in the York area in an effort to 'increase visibility and provide reassurance to residents,' adding that focus will continue on synagogues, mosques, as well as churches, institutions, educational facilities, community centers, and other local gathering places.

The York Regional Police noted that at this stage, no credible threats have been identified within the area. However, they stated that they are "actively monitoring the situation and will continue to deploy police resources strategically."

The police clarified, "(We continue to) engage in open dialogue with the community and religious leaders. We understand the feelings of conflict and pain in our community, as the events around the world are still felt here in the York region," and "We will continue to assess and reassess the impact of global events on our communities."

The police proceeded to emphasize that there is zero tolerance for incidents driven by hate in the community, and any reports of hate crimes or incidents will be thoroughly investigated.

Residents in the area who are aware of potential demonstrations or large gatherings taking place are asked to email the police at the following address: Demons@yrp.ca.