Enforcement activity alone cannot solve downtown Oshawa’s complex issues, said a response from Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) to a query from Durham Post.
The recent issue of nuisance notices and fines in the downtown is a couple of weeks old, but the City of Oshawa has yet to issue a public statement or respond to a request for comment from Durham Post sent in late Wednesday October 7.
The issue erupted late last month when the City of Oshawa pivoted to forcing downtown firms to ensure safety by sending out notices to institutions such as the Masonic Hall, and fining Canadian Automotive Museum $2,750 under a nuisance bylaw.
The closure of the homeless hub in Ajax was blamed as the source of the recent problems in the downtown by Rick Kerr, Oshawa Ward 4 City and Regional Councillor, who alleged some 100 homeless have moved to downtown Oshawa since then.
Complex Social And Community Challenges
DRPS acknowledged there are issues with downtown Oshawa.
“Like many urban centres across Ontario and Canada, downtown Oshawa faces complex social and community challenges that cannot be solved through enforcement alone,” said a police spokesperson.
“DRPS remains committed to working with municipalities, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners to support individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, addictions, and other vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated, community-wide approach,” they pointed out.
Bylaws A City Issue: DRPS
The statement also reasoned that any questions related to bylaw fines, nuisance notices, or municipal enforcement actions are with the City of Oshawa. “Those matters fall under municipal bylaws and municipal enforcement authorities, not the Durham Regional Police Service. DRPS is neither responsible for issuing municipal bylaw fines nor for determining how the city administers or enforces its bylaws.”
It said: “The role of the Durham Regional Police Service is to promote community safety and well-being through crime prevention, law enforcement, emergency response, investigations, victim support, and proactive community engagement.
Property Owners Responsible For Premises: Police
“Police services are not a security service for individual properties or organizations. Property owners and organizations, whether public, private, or non-profit, retain responsibility for the security and management of their facilities and premises,” it added.
It said DRPS will continue to maintain public safety throughout the downtown core through visible patrols, targeted enforcement, crime prevention initiatives, community partnerships, and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
Tech Cannot Replace Shared Responsibility
“While investments in policing technology and infrastructure enhance our ability to respond to community safety concerns, they do not replace the shared responsibility required among community partners to address the broader social issues affecting our communities,” said the police response.
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