As Windsor’s police chief commits to a stricter approach towards drug use in public areas, London Mayor Josh Morgan mentioned that a similar strategy is being implemented in London, something he claims was always part of the original plan.
“We’ve now entered Phase 2,” said Morgan, “which has a greater enforcement focus: More seizures of drugs, more charges laid, but absolutely still we will have referrals to service.”
With growing public concern about overt drug use on sidewalks, in stores, and even on transit buses, the London Police Service rolled out a plan to tackle public drug use in spring 2025.
Initially, the approach was centered around education. They used foot patrols where police officers worked alongside health-care workers to talk with individuals using drugs. At that time, arrests weren’t the main goal. Instead, these teams aimed to connect those struggling with addiction to necessary services.
Morgan stated that enforcement actions are increasing partly because it’s been made clear that public drug use is not permitted. However, they will continue offering referrals for services.
“We’ve had a 3,000 percent increase with charges laid,” said Morgan. “Referrals to service are still an important part of this. Even if someone gets charged or arrested, that doesn’t break someone’s addiction. We need to refer them to services as well.”
Morgan mentioned that Windsor consulted with London Police Service before opting for a similar method.
‘Like moving water’
Statistics shared with London’s Police Service Board last month indicate opioid possession incidents rose from 49 in 2024 to 1,430 in 2025. During the same timeframe, other controlled-drug possession occurrences went up from 54 to 474.
In an email communication with , London Police noted that an “occurrence” includes various interactions and doesn’t necessarily mean charges were filed. They stated they would present an updated report regarding their response to public drug use at an upcoming meeting for the Police Service Board.
Kevin Morrison is head of London’s Old East Village BIA. He believes police are doing the best they can, with the resources they have, to deal with open drug use on downtown streets. (Isha Bhargava/CBC)
Kevin Morrison leads London’s Old East Village BIA-a downtown area where open drug use remains a significant issue. He feels that while responses aren’t perfect every time, he believes law enforcement is trying hard given the challenges involved.
“It seems to go in cycles,” said Morrison. “We’ll have a week where it’s great and a week where it’s not. Everyone seems to be doing what they can with what they’re able to do. For the police, it’s almost like moving water. [Drug users] hide for a while and then they’re back at it. The police can’t be everywhere.”
Morrison recently represented local business associations at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference where one speaker was Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner who mentioned that steps are being considered to assist businesses.
London Police officers approach a man who was sleeping in the foyer of a business on Dundas Street near Wellington Street. (Andrew Lupton/)
“They’re looking at making some changes as how we’re going to handle street crises,” said Morrison; however he noted no concrete details were provided by the province.
Morgan shared that residents often send him pictures showing instances of open-air drug usage including one recent widely circulated photo depicting someone using drugs outside London Police headquarters on Dundas Street.
“Every once in awhile I see a photo online; I send it over to the police chief and ask: ‘What’s going on?’ In some cases he responds saying: ‘Yeah that’s an individual who’s been charged.’
BOTH MORRISON AND MORGAN STATED THAT MORE SERVICES NEED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
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