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

In a statement, the Guelph Police Service said it has seen drug poisonings increase in the city since 2020. Poisonings in the city center “are more than four times higher than the next highest borough,” the statement said.

The service has adopted a “health-first approach to drug addiction” but says the city center has “experienced a disproportionately negative impact of overt illegal drug use compared to other neighbourhoods, often leading to significant concerns about public safety for those who live, work. , and visit our downtown.”

Police say that since January 2023, there have been 35 controlled substance investigations that have led to more than 80 arrests and more than 460 charges filed.

Officers also worked with mental health workers from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Over the past six months, teams have had over 600 interactions with over 100 people who have received guidance and support from workers and officers.

“Despite these efforts, illegal outdoor drug use and public safety issues persisted,” the police service said.

“We are keenly aware of the complexity of drug addiction issues and fully support the measures taken by our partner agencies to treat and support those with drug addiction 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 town’

Mayor Cam Guthrie issued a statement on social media supporting the police service’s move to have more officers downtown. Guthrie says he has spoken to police about the need to have frontline police officers in the core.

He says the city is experiencing “unprecedented drug use, crime and criminal activity in the drug trade.”

“Our city center public spaces should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone, 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 get out of our downtown, get out of our city.”

Guthrie says she will continue to advocate at other levels of government to help the city deal with issues including addictions and homelessness.

The camp remains in the center of the city

Meanwhile, a camp in St. George’s Square in downtown Guelph remains in placedespite a new regulation that prohibits the development of structures in certain areas of the city, including the square.

LISTEN | Tents are still up in downtown Guelph despite the new public space use bylaw:

Colleen Clack-Bush, the city’s assistant administrative director for public services, says there are a small number of encampments on city-owned or managed property that violate the ordinance.

“Statute staff has already provided verbal communications to those whose structures are in violation of information about available supports and clearer direction on regulations affecting camps or temporary structures,” Clack-Bush told CBC News.

In the next few weeks, Clack-Bush says written orders will be issued to people still in violation.

“If necessary, a violation notice to erect the structure will be provided by bylaw staff,” she said, adding, “We will continue to lead with a respectful, people-centered, education-first approach as we enforce this regulation.”