We are honoured to announce that The Dev Hotel & Conference Centre has been selected as the temporary campus for Ontario’s Basic Constable Training (BCT) this fall. This initiative signals a new chapter in police training and community engagement in Cornwall, and we’re thrilled to play a role.

Why Cornwall? Why The Dev Centre?

With Ontario expanding its BCT program to meet growing policing demands, the decision to open a second, temporary training site in Cornwall reflects the province’s commitment to training more frontline officers closer to home. 

The Dev Centre offers an ideal environment for this endeavour:

• Central location & accessibility — recruits, instructors, and visitors will find easy access via major routes and local amenities nearby.
• Purpose-built facilities — our conference and meeting rooms, classrooms, and breakout spaces provide flexible capacity for lectures, simulations, and group work.
• Supportive infrastructure — from on-site dining to accommodation and event support services, we can meet the logistical needs of a training campus.
• Community integration — hosting this program strengthens our ties with local government, law enforcement, and community partners.

What’s Involved in the Training?

Here’s what the Fall 2025 training cohort can expect:

• Start & Duration: The program begins October 6 and runs through December 17, culminating in a March Past and Review Ceremony. 
• Number of recruits: An additional 121 recruits will be trained at the Cornwall location, part of a province-wide total intake of up to 641 across both campuses. 
• Curriculum: The training covers a robust range of topics, including:
  • Federal, provincial, and traffic law
  • Human rights, diversity, and professional practice
  • Leadership, ethics, mental health, and crisis response
  • De‑escalation tactics, firearms, officer safety, and physical fitness 
• Tuition changes: As of 2023, the BCT program no longer charges tuition, making it more accessible for applicants. 

This is a unique opportunity for recruits to receive full training without having to travel to Ontario’s standard police college in Aylmer. 

Benefits to Cornwall & the Region

Hosting this training locally brings direct and intangible benefits to our region:

• Economic uplift — trainees, instructors, and visitors will patronize local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and services.
• Visibility & prestige — being selected for this provincial role highlights Cornwall’s stature and capability.
• Talent retention — this can encourage locally trained recruits to choose policing careers in their home communities.
• Community safety enhancement — more officers trained and deployed translates to increased public safety capacity in municipalities across Ontario.

Our Commitment as Host

At The Dev Centre, we’re committed to giving this program the full support it deserves. Some of the ways we’ll contribute:

• Ensuring classroom and meeting rooms are outfitted with required AV, simulation, and training technology
• Coordinating accommodation, food services, and logistical support for recruits and staff
• Liaising with the Ontario Police College, local law enforcement, and training leaders
• Offering on-site amenities, networking space, and facilities for ceremonies and public events

We see this as more than just “letting them use the building”, it’s a partnership in making this training program successful, memorable, and deeply integrated with our community.

A Warm Welcome to All Recruits, Instructors & Guests

To all participants in the upcoming Basic Constable Training: welcome to Cornwall and welcome to The Dev Centre. We trust you will find our city, surroundings, and facilities supportive, conducive to learning, and reflective of the dedication you bring to public service.

We look forward to supporting your journey, hosting your training, and celebrating your achievements at the December ceremony.