Guelph police say more officers will be deployed downtown in the coming weeks to combat “open drug use,” criminal behavior and public safety concerns.

In a statement, the Guelph Police Service said it has seen the number of drug poisonings increase in the city since 2020. Poisonings in the downtown core “are more than four times higher than the next largest neighborhood,” indicates the press release.

The service has taken “a health-focused approach to drug addiction” but says the inner city “has experienced a disproportionate negative impact from open illegal drug use compared to other neighborhoods, which often results in significant public safety issues for those who live and work. , and visit the heart of our city.

Police say since January 2023, 35 controlled substances investigations have led to more than 80 people arrested and more than 460 charges laid.

Officers also collaborated with mental health workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Over the past six months, teams have had more than 600 interactions with more than 100 people benefiting from advice and support from workers and agents.

“Despite these efforts, illegal open drug use and public safety concerns persist,” police said.

“We are very aware of the complexity of the issues surrounding drug dependence and fully support the steps taken by our partner agencies to treat and support people suffering from drug dependence problems,” the statement added.

“However, as the heart of our community, downtown Guelph 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 released a statement on social media supporting the police department’s decision to have more officers in the downtown area. Guthrie says he has spoken to police about the need to have front-line officers within the core.

He says the city is facing “unprecedented drug use, crime and criminal activity linked to drug trafficking.”

“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 improved approach,” Guthrie’s statement said.

“My message to criminals is simple: Don’t just leave our downtown, get out of our city.”

Guthrie says he will continue to advocate with other levels of government to help the city address issues including drug addiction and homelessness.

The camp remains downtown

Meanwhile, a camp at St. George’s Square in downtown Guelph remains in placedespite a new regulation prohibiting the establishment of structures in certain sectors of the city, including the square.

LISTEN | Tents still in place in downtown Guelph despite new regulations on the use of public spaces:

Colleen Clack-Bush, deputy administrative director of utilities for the city, says there are a small number of encampments on city-owned or managed properties that are in violation of the bylaw.

“Regulations staff have already provided verbal communications to those whose structures are in violation with information on available supports and clearer instructions on regulations affecting encampments or temporary structures,” Clack-Bush told CBC News.

In the coming weeks, Clack-Bush says written orders will be issued to people who continue to violate the regulations.

“If necessary, a trespass notice for the erection of the structure will be issued by bylaw enforcement staff,” she said, adding: “We will continue to take a respectful approach, focused on human and education focused as we enforce this regulation.”