Peterborough, Ontario: Rising Crime, Drug Use and Homelessness Stress Community

Peterborough, ON — In recent years, citizens and officials in Peterborough have raised growing concerns about public safety, citing increases in certain types of criminal activity tied to illicit drug use and a difficult homelessness situation.

Crime Trends and Police Activity

According to internal reports from the Peterborough Police Service, overall calls for service rose in recent years, and arrests and charges increased dramatically. Between 2023 and 2025, officers reported a 57 % rise in arrests and charges, with drug-related charges more than doubling over the same period.

Local police say the severity of crime has increased, in part because of the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community. In 2025, the Service expanded its Safer Public Spaces initiative — a policy that now includes arresting individuals engaged in open-air illicit drug use in public areas when they refuse to move along or accept help. Officials say this is a necessary response to public safety concerns.

That initiative came after years of calls from residents that open-air drug use and disorderly conduct were having a visible impact on downtown and public spaces, affecting both residents and local businesses.

Drug Enforcement and Seizures

Police and provincial enforcement units have been active in investigating drug trafficking in the region. Joint operations in late 2024 and 2025 resulted in large seizures of fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances and multiple charges for trafficking.

Public safety officials argue such enforcement is critical to reduce the supply and visibility of dangerous drugs, though some harm-reduction advocates caution that seizures and enforcement alone do not address underlying addiction and can create instability in local drug markets.

Homelessness and Substance Use Challenges

At the same time, homelessness in Peterborough has risen. City data showed that known homelessness cases increased over recent years, mirroring broader provincial trends where homelessness has surged across Ontario.

A 2024 ‘Point-In-Time’ report on homelessness found high levels of substance use among people experiencing housing instability, with about 82 % reporting substance use and approximately 80 % experiencing chronic homelessness (six months or more) in the prior year.

Advocates and service agencies highlight the complex relationship between homelessness, mental health and substance use — arguing that stable housing and supportive services are critical components of long-term safety and well-being.

Community Debate on Response

These overlapping issues have created intense community debate. Some residents argue for stronger enforcement and policing to address public drug use and related crime, while service providers urge expanded harm-reduction and housing-first supports to reduce addiction-related harms and create pathways out of homelessness.

Council decisions around funding for shelters and supportive housing reflect these tensions: for example, in 2025 the city council narrowly voted against additional funding for expanded shelter services beyond the existing contract.

Looking Ahead

Peterborough’s experience mirrors broader challenges in mid-sized Canadian cities where rising substance use, constrained housing markets, and strained social services intersect with community safety concerns. The local police service has emphasized its commitment to enforcement and prevention, but many stakeholders — including health providers, advocates and affected residents — emphasize the need for a balanced approach that integrates housing, health care and addiction support into the long-term strategy.