An increase in online ads for sexual services at holistic spas in Guelph led to an eight-month police investigation, resulting in charges against six spa owners under a city bylaw.
In May 2025, the Guelph Police Service human trafficking unit kicked off Operation Spotlight after noticing more online s offering sexual services.
Colleen Collins, the manager of community engagement and strategic initiatives at the police service, shared with that these ads prompted officers to dig deeper, leading them to visit several spas across the city.
“Individuals involved in the sex trade are often more vulnerable to trafficking. With that in mind, [police] wanted to ensure the spas were operating lawfully and, most importantly, that the individuals working there were doing so voluntarily,” Collins said in an email.
“We were fully prepared to commit the necessary time and resources to ensure strict compliance with the law and to act against any exploitation of individuals working in such establishments.”
During their investigation, police reported discovering “a substantial number of bylaw infractions within several establishments.”
Ultimately, over 40 bylaw offence notices were issued to six spa owners. In all cases, they faced charges for: “Owner licensee fail to ensure no adult entertainment services provided.”
Cities issue adult entertainment business licenses. According to Guelph’s bylaw, nobody is allowed to provide any adult entertainment goods or services within a “holistic services establishment.”
Those found guilty of violating this bylaw could face fines up to $10,000 for each day the violation occurred.
Dustin Gronc from Guelph’s corporate and community safety division confirmed that city staff collaborated with police to ensure compliance with all requirements under the city’s business licensing bylaw.
Although these are bylaw infractions rather than criminal charges, Gronc mentioned that police have laid charges against spa owners and advised further inquiries be directed towards them.
Collins explained that their goal is proactive policing; they want to educate people while also “sending a clear message about our expectations” regarding business operations.
“It is important to emphasize that not all holistic spas are linked to sex work. Nor are all holistic spas inherently connected to human trafficking,” Collins said.
“However, the private-room settings and limited visibility associated with legitimate services can be exploited by traffickers to target and control vulnerable people.”
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