In response to ongoing concerns we have heard from residents and businesses in the neighbourhood, the Peterborough Police Service along with One City Peterborough and the City of Peterborough, are currently working toward an agreement that will provide a new way forward. As that agreement is being worked out, police activity will look different in the surrounding neighbourhood, and we want the community to be aware of this change.
As a police service, we know that providing compassionate care and a place to escape the weather and sleep is important, especially as we are entering the coldest months of the year. The drop-in and shelter services offered by One City Peterborough play a vital role in achieving their goal to help the unhoused population, however, as police, we do not endorse criminal activity on the premises or in the surrounding community.
“We have been compassionate in our approach to those who are in need of the services provided by One City Peterborough at the Trinity Church location; however, the behaviours by some, have created a situation that can no longer be adequately addressed through such means. The result will be a change in what police activity will look like in the neighbourhood surrounding Trinity Church. The data shows that, in 2022 the area had 168 calls for service between January 1 and November 8, in 2023 that number increased to 261 and in 2024 it jumped to 700 calls for service,” says Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service. “We continue to believe that many of those accessing the services at Trinity Church are in need of support, but our approach needs to respect the community safety and well-being for all, and we are being clear in what that will look like.”
The surrounding neighbourhood approach:
First, the ‘Safer Public Spaces’ approach is being suspended in that area. That means observed open air illicit drug use will result in the arrest of those individuals. In all cases, those arrested will be searched incident to arrest, in accordance with common law authority, and any illegal substances will be seized for destruction. If charges are appropriate, they will be laid, but it may be enough to release unconditionally.
Second, if people are found committing a criminal or provincial offence (e.g. defecating on property, possessing stolen property, trespassing, etc.) they will be investigated and if appropriate, arrested and charged.
The Peterborough Police Service recognizes that there is more work to be done than we have police resources for, but when our resources are available, we will respond.
Third, as it relates to the property itself, a joint release from the City of Peterborough, One City Peterborough and the Peterborough Police Service will follow once an agreement of both short-term and long-term solutions has been reached.
We understand and recognize that this is a different approach from what is currently happening, but we have heard from residents, businesses as well as clients at the shelter that the current way is not working to fully address ongoing concerns and ensure a safe environment for all.
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
