Back to SearchLong Weekend Message
➡ Alcohol - BYOB
The Peterborough Police Service would like to clarify for anyone intending to enjoy the outdoor spaces in the City, that although the Province recently announced regulatory changes to the Liquor License and Control Act allowing for people to bring their own alcohol to public spaces, that this is only permissible if a Municipality allows for it. As the City of Peterborough has no such by-law, this is not permitted in our City.
“I feel it is important to ensure there is no ambiguity in our community around this, particularly as we head into the first long weekend and the unofficial start to summer. We want people to enjoy the many cultural events, businesses and recreational facilities our City has to offer, and we want them to do so safely, responsibly, and lawfully, but we also want to ensure that it is very clear, that at this time, there is no framework in place to support a “bring your own” alcohol to outdoor public events in this City.” - Chief Stuart Betts
➡Safer Public Spaces - No Tolerance Approach Open Air Illicit Drug Use
Since October 2023, the Peterborough Police Service has had this no-tolerance approach to open-air illicit drug use in our public places.
In June 2025, the approach transitioned from one based in education to one of enforcement.
What you now see:
Upon attending (as a result of a call for service from the public) or observing a person(s) using illicit drugs in public spaces, officers will approach and if an offence is taking place, they will arrest the person(s) involved. This will necessitate handcuffing the individual, searching them, in accordance with common law authority, and either releasing them unconditionally (without their drugs) or proceeding with charges, which may require transport to the police station or release at the scene as prescribed in law.
One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure community safety and we will continue to pursue this for the benefit of all who frequent our parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and other public spaces. We remain committed to working with our community partners who provide medical or other assistance in this space.
Statistics
2026 to date
🔸159 calls for service, 25 arrests, 24 charges laid, 38 instances where drugs were seized.
🔸102 calls in the downtown; 139 citizen-generated.
2025
🔸727 calls for service, 170 arrests, 124 charges laid, 107 instances where drugs were seized.
🔸517 calls in the downtown; 634 citizen-generated
Learn more about Safer Public Spaces: https://www.peterboroughpolice.com/en/learn/safer-public-spaces.aspx
➡ Road Safety
We also want to take this time to remind people to be mindful of the additional pedestrian and bicycle presence we will see on our streets as the weather continues to improve.
Peterborough remains a place where many people come to visit or pass through as a tourist destination and that means additional vehicular traffic.
Road safety is a paramount concern for our police service and we will be vigilant in our enforcement to ensure all people remain safe and can enjoy the shared spaces. Please don't drive impaired.
Have a safe Victoria Day long weekend.
#ptbo #lakefield #cavanmonaghan
How to report a crime:
There are several ways to report a crime to the Peterborough Police Service.
• Emergency call 9-1-1
• Non-emergency call 705-876-1122 x225
• Online through the official Online Reporting Portal at www.peterboroughpolice.com/online-reporting where you can also upload photos and/or video.
Or you can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca
Learn more about what is happening in your community through the Community Safety Map.
https://www.peterboroughpolice.com/en/learn/community-safety-map.aspx
Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217
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