Durham police yesterday said Project Atlantis II is a proactive enforcement and community engagement initiative, which has led to 490 arrests, significant drug seizures, and increased police visibility in Downtown Oshawa.
Yet, the City of Oshawa has not explained to the public why has it resorted to fining downtown businesses and not-for-profits for homeless and drugs-related ‘nuisance’ (see below).
“I want to thank Durham Regional Police Service, City of Oshawa municipal by-law enforcement, corporate security and staff for their continued efforts to support a safe and welcoming downtown,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter with reference to Project Atlantis II.
“Project Atlantis II highlights the important work taking place on the front lines, but enforcement alone cannot address the complex challenges we are seeing in our community. Mental health, addictions, and homelessness continue to place vulnerable individuals at greater risk and have real impacts on community safety.
“As mayor, I have been meeting and working collaboratively with all levels of government to advance stronger investments in treatment, housing, and support services, as well as greater accountability and stronger legislative tools. Lasting progress requires both an effective response on our streets and meaningful action to address the root causes of these complex challenges,” said the outgoing mayor without referring to the bylaw nuisance fines.
Focus On Theft & Drugs
Between April and September this year, members of the Central East Division Community Resource Unit worked alongside community partners to address public safety concerns through targeted enforcement, intelligence-led investigations, and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses, and community organizations, said a police statement.
It said a key focus of Project Atlantis II has been disrupting thefts and the possession of property obtained by crime as well as the sale and distribution of illicit drugs that contribute to addiction, violence, victimization, and community disorder.
Throughout the initiative, officers completed 2,120 hours of bicycle patrol, 180 hours of foot patrol, and 96 hours of UTV patrol These highly visible patrols enhanced police presence in the downtown core, waterfronts, trails, and parks.
As a result of Project Atlantis II, between April and September 2026, officers:
- Made 490 arrests
- Laid 808 charges
- Issued 406 Provincial Offence Notices
- Responded to 436 calls for service
- Conducted 307 business and community engagement visits
“Project Atlantis II demonstrates what proactive, community-focused policing looks like. By increasing our visibility, targeting the criminal activity that contributes to disorder and victimization, and working closely with our partners, we are responding directly to the concerns we hear from residents and businesses. The results are significant, but this work is about more than arrests and charges. It is about building relationships, strengthening trust and helping people feel safe in their community,” said Police Chief Peter Moreira.
Anyone with information related to Project Atlantis II is asked to contact Sgt. Firth of the Central East Division Community Resource Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1708.
Related Story
You May Also Like To Read
Ajax says ‘remove your stuff’ for street lighting replacements