Investigation Launched into Child Abuse Claims at Robert Land Academy

WARNING: This story contains allegations of child abuse and sexual exploitation.

Peel Regional Police are currently looking into claims of child abuse at Robert Land Academy, a military-style school that was active in Ontario’s Niagara Region from 1978 until 2025.

The special victims unit is handling the investigation, police announced on Monday.

“Investigators are seeking to speak with anyone who may have any information related to alleged abuse at the academy,” police stated in a news release, encouraging anyone with details to reach out to investigators or Peel Crime Stoppers.

Numerous former students from the private boys’ boarding school in Lincoln have previously reported experiencing physical and emotional abuse, and in some cases, sexual exploitation.

CBC Hamilton asked Peel police what initiated the investigation and why they are examining claims from Niagara. A spokesperson mentioned that Niagara Regional Police Service requested Peel take charge, adding: “Given this is an ongoing investigation, we are not in a position to provide any further comment at this time.”

Niagara police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin noted that their service asked Peel police to lead the case “in accordance with the potential or perceived conflict of interest provisions within the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) Regulations.”

Former students of Robert Land Academy and supporters gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto in October. Jarett Holmes, at the podium, was among those who called for more regulation of private schools in the province. (CBC)

Monday’s announcement follows several months after a CBC Hamilton investigative report regarding Robert Land, which shut down in June after former students filed lawsuits against the school alleging abuse that took place mainly during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s but also extending into the 2010s.

In a statement of defence submitted in response to one lawsuit, Robert Land denied all accusations. The academy claimed that if any abuse or exploitation did occur, it wasn’t their responsibility.

School Filed for Bankruptcy

A year ago next month, Robert Land announced its closure but didn’t mention abuse allegations as a factor; they cited declining enrollment – including fewer international students – along with rising costs as reasons for shutting down.

The school has since filed for bankruptcy, revealing financial documents that estimate $135 million needed for litigation and “claims against the company.”

The staff at Robert Land maintained strict military discipline; students were referred to as “cadets,” all wore military-style uniforms, and adhered to a regimented routine. According to spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown speaking with CBC last fall, armed forces did not oversee operations at Robert Land.

Over decades, thousands of families sent their children to this boarding school. Tuition fees were tens of thousands of dollars each year per student.

A former student shared with CBC that he went through “absolute hell,” facing severe physical punishments from staff along with hard labor. Another student recounted an incident where an instructor broke his legs.

The allegations remain unproven in court.

Demand for Stricter Oversight on Private Schools

CBC’s research along with input from former students revealed that some instructors had criminal records while employed at Robert Land during the late ’90s and early 2000s. Staff members at private schools aren’t required to undergo vulnerable-sector background checks that would reveal past criminal offenses.

<p Approximately two dozen ex-students from Robert Land assembled at Queen’s Park last fall urging tighter regulation on Ontario’s private schools.

At that time , Education Minister Paul Calandra’s press secretary , Emma Testani , stated that oversight by the province over private schools is limited solely to those wishing to grant high school credits. She added that anyone aware of allegations involving abuse or criminal actions should contact authorities.

If you’re affected by this report , you can seek mental health support through resources available in your province or territory. If you’re facing immediate danger or concern for your safety or others around you , please call 911.

Source link