Safer Public Spaces – Update on Increasing Enforcement
Beginning Monday June 9, 2025, all Police Officers will be directed to move to a next level of engagement in the Safer Public Spaces approach to community safety and Open-Air Illicit Drug Use. This next level will follow direction from the Chief to initiate arrests of those who continue to engage in open-air illicit drug use.
“We have taken a very compassionate approach to those afflicted with addiction and while we have always had the authority to arrest, in our effort to pursue a compassionate health-first approach, we opted to educate and direct people to the CTS versus using in our public spaces,” said Chief Betts. “For many, this approach was met with cooperation; however, some continue to engage in this behavior which negatively impacts people and businesses in our community, and disproportionately so in our downtown. For this reason, I am directing that officers move to the next level of response in an effort to address a persistent problem in our community. Officers will be directed to arrest anyone found using illicit substances in public spaces, and any illicit drugs will be seized for destruction, or submitted for analysis and evidence to support any charges laid. This will continue to be done with compassion, but we will not tolerate open-air illicit drug use; an approach which is in keeping with the provisions of the new Safer Municipalities Act, 2025”
What you can expect to see:
Upon attending or observing a person(s) using illicit drugs in public spaces, officers will approach and if an offence is taking place, they will arrest the person(s) involved. This will necessitate handcuffing the individual, searching them, in accordance with common law authority, and either releasing them unconditionally (without their drugs) or proceeding with charges, which may require transport to the police station or release at the scene as prescribed in law.
We recognize that some in our community will feel this is a harsh approach, while others may feel it does not go far enough. We believe, at this time, it strikes a balance between both perspectives.
One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure community safety and we will continue to pursue this for the benefit of all who frequent our parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and other public spaces. We remain committed to working with our community partners who provide medical or other assistance in this space.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
