Short answer: The Toronto Bail Program is a non-profit organization that supervises some accused people in the community while their case is in court, as an alternative to detention. It is often used when a person has no suitable surety. A justice or judge must order the person into the program; it cannot be joined privately.
What the program is
The Toronto Bail Program is a non-profit, community based organization run by a volunteer board. Its Criminal Division supervises accused people released by the criminal courts, and its Immigration Division supervises some people released by the Immigration and Refugee Board at detention reviews. Ontario's bail verification and supervision programs are funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Who it is for
Bail supervision programs exist for people who would otherwise stay in custody because they do not have the financial or social supports that bail usually relies on. In practice this often means someone without a suitable surety: a person with family abroad, a newcomer, someone whose relatives cannot supervise, or someone whose proposed surety is not acceptable to the court.
Not everyone is eligible. The program assesses whether it can supervise the person safely, and the court decides whether supervision answers its concerns in the particular case.
How a person gets into the program
- At or before the bail hearing, defence counsel or duty counsel asks the program to assess the accused.
- Program staff interview the person and check the information they give, such as where they will live.
- If the program is willing to supervise, the release plan is put to the court.
- A justice of the peace or judge orders release with a condition to report to and follow the directions of the program.
What supervision involves
- Reporting to the program in person or by phone as directed
- Following every condition in the release order, such as residence, curfew or no-contact terms
- Attending every court date
- In many cases, help with housing, counselling, treatment or employment referrals
A breach of a condition can be reported to the court and can lead to a new charge and a new bail hearing, often with a reverse onus. Supervision is a real obligation, not a formality.
Where it is located
At the time of writing, the program's main location is at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, where most adult bail matters for people held by Toronto police are heard. It also lists other offices in Toronto and the region. Contact details change, so confirm them with the program directly or through counsel.
Bail program or surety?
A surety release and a bail program release answer the same question: who will help this person follow the order? Where a suitable surety is available, courts often prefer it. Where one is not, the program can make release possible. Under the Ontario Court of Justice practice direction in effect since June 1, 2026, a surety should be required only where it is the least onerous form of release in the circumstances, which can make supervision options more relevant.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Toronto Bail Program work?
A court orders the person released on the condition that they report to and follow the directions of the program. Staff supervise the person in the community until the case ends or the order changes.
Do you need a surety for the Toronto Bail Program?
No. The program is generally used as an alternative to a surety, for people who do not have one or whose proposed surety is not suitable.
Can I sign up for the Toronto Bail Program myself?
No. Admission must be ordered by a justice of the peace or judge, usually after the program assesses the person at counsel's request.
Where is the Toronto Bail Program located?
Its main location is at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West. Confirm current contact details with the program.
What happens if you break the rules of a bail program?
The breach can be reported, and the person can be charged with failing to comply with a release order and brought back before the court for a new bail hearing.
Talk to our team
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, see our bail lawyer in Toronto page. To book a paid consultation (30 minutes, $150 plus HST, paid when you book), book online or call (647) 271-1646. The phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and office meetings are by appointment. Civitas Law is a team of legal professionals under the leadership of lawyer Nasibeh Mehrpouyan, serving clients in English, French, Farsi, Russian and Serbian.