More cops expected to patrol downtown Guelph to address 'open drug use' and public safety concerns
Police in Guelph say more officers will be in the downtown core in the coming weeks to address "open drug use," criminal behaviours and public safety concerns.
In a statement, the Guelph Police Service said it has seen the number of drug poisonings rise in the city since 2020. Poisonings in the downtown "are more than four times higher than the next highest neighbourhood," the statement said.
The service has taken a "health-first approach to drug dependency," but says the downtown "has experienced a disproportionate negative impact of open illegal drug use as compared to other neighbourhoods, often resulting in significant public safety concerns for those who live, work, and visit in our city's core."
Police say since January 2023, there have been 35 controlled substances investigations that have led to the arrest of more than 80 individuals and more than 460 charges laid.
Officers have also collaborated with mental health workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association. In the past six months, the teams have had more than 600 interactions with more than 100 people getting guidance and support from the workers and officers.
"Despite these efforts, illegal open air drug use and public safety issues have persisted," the police service said.
"We are very mindful of the complexities of issues related to drug dependency and fully support measures being taken by our partner agencies to treat and support those with drug dependency issues," the statement added.
"However, as the heart of our community, Guelph's downtown is a shared public space that must be safe and welcoming for all who live, work and visit."
Mayor's message to criminals: 'Get out of our city'
Mayor Cam Guthrie issued a statement on social media supporting the police service's move to have more officers in the downtown core. Guthrie says he's talked to police about the need to have frontline police officers in the core.
He says the city is facing "unprecedented open drug use, crime, and criminal activity from the drug trade."
"Our downtown public spaces should be a safe and welcoming place for all—but not for criminals. I know the vast majority of citizens and businesses will welcome this enhanced approach," Guthrie's statement said.
"My message to criminals is simple: don't just get out of our downtown, get out of our city."
Guthrie says he will continue to advocate to other levels of government to help the city deal with issues, including addictions and homelessness.
Encampment remains downtown
Meanwhile, an encampment in St. George's Square in downtown Guelph remains in place, despite a new bylaw prohibiting structures from being set up in certain areas of the city including the square.
LISTEN | Tents still up in downtown Guelph despite new public space use bylaw:
Colleen Clack-Bush, the city's deputy chief administrative officer for public services, says there are a small number of encampments on city owned or operated properties that violate the bylaw.
"Bylaw staff have already provided verbal communications to those whose structures are in violation with information on supports available, and clearer direction on the regulations affecting encampments or temporary structures," Clack-Bush told CBC News.
In the next few weeks, Clack-Bush says written orders would be issued to people who remain in violation of the bylaw.
"If required, a trespass notice for erecting the structure will be provided by bylaw staff," she said, adding, "We will continue to lead with a respectful, human-centred, and education-first approach as we enforce this bylaw."
