Many of Greater Sudbury’s most vulnerable residents have experienced multi-generational trauma and harm. They deserve compassionate and coordinated community support. However, without adequate infrastructure, planning, and implementation we have experienced a concentration of vulnerable individuals in the downtown core, along with incidents of crime, and social disorder.

The rise in open drug use in public spaces has led to significant safety concerns among business owners, residents, and visitors. These concerns have been shared with police and the City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) through social media, email and conversations. While long-term solutions such as affordable housing, mental health, and addiction services fall outside the scope of policing, the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) recognizes their importance and supports investment in these areas starting with CGS-led Transformation Project announced by Mayor Paul Lefebvre.

While our community works towards these long-term goals, GSPS is committed to promoting safety and reducing crime through a balanced, community-focused approach. We will continue working with community partners and advocacy groups to support vulnerable populations through the centralized Service Hub at Energy Court while ensuring public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Increased Police Presence and Support-First Approach

In response to community feedback from the Police Service Board 2022 survey and ongoing 2025 touchpoint, GSPS continues to increase police presence and visibility in the downtown core. Our approach prioritizes support and intervention, using enforcement and the Safer Municipalities Act only when necessary. We are not trying to criminalize homelessness. Instead, we want to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone, especially those affected by addiction and homelessness. This will be supported through the Service Hub where vulnerable individuals will have access to essential services such as 24-hour warming spaces and washrooms.

Greater Sudbury’s opioid-related death rate is more than three times the provincial average. Overdose is the leading cause of death for people under 49 in our city. This is a public health crisis. One that requires a coordinated, continuum of care rooted in harm reduction.

Restoring Safety in Public Spaces

On any given day, people downtown may witness open drug use, intoxication, littering, loitering, panhandling, trespassing, and property crimes such as theft and mischief. The GSPS Downtown Visibility and Safety Initiative aims to restore safety and accountability in public spaces. We believe safety means more than just avoiding harm – it also includes feeling safe and confident in public spaces. The community’s concerns about safety downtown are real and should not be ignored.

Safety includes three key components:

•             Being safe – actual protection from harm

•             Knowing you’re safe – understanding that safety measures are in place

•             Feeling safe – having peace of mind and confidence in your surroundings

These elements are important for everyone’s mental health and well-being, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Our Commitment

GSPS remains committed to fair, transparent, and equitable policing. With support from our community partners, we will continue working to reduce open drug use and restore safety in public spaces. Our goal is to make sure everyone – no matter their housing or income status – feels safe, supported, and respected.

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