Nine Arrested as Police Target Open Drug Use in Owen Sound’s Downtown
A police crackdown on public drug use in downtown Owen Sound led to nine arrests, raising familiar questions about safety, enforcement, and addiction.
Nine people were arrested during a two-day police operation targeting the open use of illicit drugs in Owen Sound’s downtown core.
The Owen Sound Police Service says the initiative took place March 25 and 26, involving officers from its Criminal Investigations Branch and CORE Unit, working in both plainclothes and uniform roles.
According to police, the operation focused specifically on individuals observed openly consuming illicit substances in public spaces.
Officers reported seizing several grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl during the initiative.
Police did not release the names, ages, or specific charges laid against those arrested, and it is not clear whether any of the individuals were released or held for court.
Part of a broader shift in enforcement
The enforcement effort comes amid ongoing discussions in Owen Sound about how the city should respond to visible drug use downtown.
Police have previously indicated a shift toward more direct enforcement of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, particularly in public spaces where use is visible and impacts others.
At a May 2025 meeting of the Owen Sound Police Services Board, officials described growing concerns from businesses and residents about safety in the downtown core, including reports of open drug use.
Related:
Board members said some business owners had begun locking doors during operating hours, and that public sentiment had shifted from discomfort to, in some cases, feeling unsafe.
Police Chief Craig Ambrose told the board at the time that enforcement strategies were being adjusted, alongside outreach to businesses and coordination with bylaw services.
Ongoing debate: enforcement vs. support
The issue remains contentious. Some critics argue that charging individuals for open drug use risks criminalizing addiction and does little to address underlying health and social needs.
Others, including some business owners and community members, say visible drug use and related disorder have made parts of the downtown less accessible and less safe, particularly for shoppers, visitors, and families.
Related:
Over 300 of the approximately 880 ‘Vision 2050’ survey respondents who wrote in open form feedback commented on open drug use, overdoses, and addiction as daily realities shaping perceptions of safety.
City discussions over the past year have reflected that divide, with calls both for stronger enforcement tools and for expanded health, housing, and harm reduction supports.
Police point to both enforcement and support
In its statement, the Owen Sound Police Service acknowledged that substance use is a complex issue, and said it continues to work with community partners to support individuals seeking help.
Police are encouraging people to contact 211 for access to local health and social services.
At the same time, officers emphasized that the public consumption of illicit drugs remains an offence under federal law, particularly when it occurs in shared public spaces.
Related:
