Public Safety Division at Grosvenor – Toronto, ON

Ministry of the Solicitor General – Public Safety Division

Provincial Safety and Security Administration

The Public Safety Division, headquartered at 25 Grosvenor Street, is a key administrative arm of the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General. This office handles the strategic oversight and regulation of public safety mandates across the province. It is not a police station for reporting crimes, but rather the government hub for managing law enforcement standards, private security licensing, and animal welfare enforcement. Located in the George Drew Building, this facility houses the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch, which is responsible for licensing security guards and private investigators in Ontario.

Key Regulatory Functions

This division manages several critical provincial programs:

• Private Security Licensing: Overseeing the training, testing, and licensing of security guards and private investigators.
• Animal Welfare Services: Administering the provincial animal welfare enforcement system (PAWS) to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
• Policing Oversight: Developing standards and policies for police services across Ontario.
• Forensic Services: Coordinating with the Centre of Forensic Sciences (though the lab is located elsewhere, administration is centralized).

Office Access and Inquiries

As a government administrative building, public access is generally restricted to specific appointments or mail-in services.

• Mail Processing: This is a primary address for submitting applications for security licenses and agency registrations.
• Security: Visitors must pass through security screening in the lobby. Identification is required for entry to upper floors.
• Support: Most services for the general public (such as checking license status) are handled via phone or the ServiceOntario online portal, rather than walk-in counters at this location.