Human Trafficking Hits Guelph Hard

Many people think human trafficking is only an issue in big cities like Toronto, but the facts show it affects smaller towns too.

According to Statistics Canada, Guelph and Thunder Bay reported the highest rates of police-reported human trafficking cases in Ontario in 2024.

“We all have to acknowledge this is a very real issue in all of our communities,” said Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey.

In 2024, Guelph police logged 11 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the national average across Canada was just 1.6 incidents.

Cobey mentions that these numbers not only reflect the reality of trafficking in Guelph but also highlight how the city has been putting more resources into identifying and addressing these cases.

He recalls November 2023 when Guelph city council unanimously recognized intimate partner violence as an epidemic. Since then, police have engaged extensively with the community and ramped up training and resources significantly.

“We now have an integrated unit that represents almost four times more resources doing that work,” he said. “I think that number that’s being reported is a much more accurate measure of the magnitude that the issue is.”

Chief Cobey notes that Guelph police are collaborating with local organizations such as Women in Crisis Victim Services and the Wellington Catholic District School Board to enhance prevention efforts and boost awareness about human trafficking. (Trina Koster Photography)

This Sunday marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a time for raising public awareness and honoring survivors.

Cindy Mc Mann, a community educator with Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis, states that while awareness of this problem is increasing, there are still many misconceptions about what it really looks like in practice.

“A myth that I’m still running across is that somebody must be thrown into the back of an unmarked white van and then chained up into a shipping container,” she said.

Trafficking often takes subtle forms

Det. Staff Sgt. Melanie Clark, who leads the Human Trafficking Unit for Guelph police, explained that trafficking can manifest in various ways within a mid-sized city like Guelph.

“A lot of times it does start with online recruitment and then moves into person-on-person interactions, but we can’t ignore some level of organized crime involved,” she said.

Clark emphasizes that trafficking isn’t always overt or easy to spot; subtle signs can be equally important to recognize.

She mentions red flags might include someone suddenly receiving expensive gifts, being secretive about their relationships, isolating themselves from friends and family, having unexplained absences, or displaying signs of fear or anxiety.

“That may not necessarily mean they’re being human trafficked. But it could open up communications to kind of dive a little deeper into why these changes are happening,” she said.

Mc Mann added that traffickers often “love bomb” their victims by showering them with attention or gifts or introducing them to lifestyles they might not typically access. She points out even minor changes in behavior or mental health should raise concern.

“Even if it isn’t a trafficking situation, it’s always good to check in to make sure everything’s OK,” Mc Mann said.

Mc Mann highlights one major obstacle survivors face when trying to leave trafficking situations: affordable housing is scarce. “A big reason people stay in trafficking situations is because they know where they’re sleeping at night and have a roof over their head, even if it’s not safe,” she said. (Cindy Mc Mann)

Cobey underlines prevention efforts through partnerships with local groups like Women in Crisis Victim Services and the Wellington Catholic District School Board. Recently officers talked with nearly 900 teachers and staff throughout the Wellington Catholic District School Board about human trafficking and online exploitation.

“We want to support our community,” Cobey said.

Challenges for survivors

Mc Mann explains survivors encounter numerous barriers when attempting to escape from trafficking situations including limited healthcare access as well as job opportunities alongside a lack of affordable housing.

“A big reason people stay in trafficking situations is because they know where they’re sleeping at night and have a roof over their head even if it’s not safe,” she stated.

She emphasized survivors are experts on their own experiences; therefore when helping someone leave such situations focus should be on providing support rather than trying “to rescue” them against their will since pushing too hard can undermine their sense of control discouraging them from seeking help according to Mc Mann.

“People get out of trafficking on their own all the time or they get out with support but they’re they are doing all this work themselves.” she noted.

If you suspect you or someone else may be affected by human trafficking there are several options available for assistance: In emergencies call 911; additionally contact Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or text 233733; reach out locally through organizations such as Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis Women’s Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region YWCA Kitchener Waterloo for confidential support

“The more we can stay connected then better we care each other so if something feels off don’t hesitate reach out for support.” concluded Mc Mann

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