Ontario to give OC Transpo special constables the power to make arrests for drug use on public transit

The Ontario government is proposing allowing special constables to seize drugs, give tickets or even make arrests on public transit. Natalie van Rooy reports.

OC Transpo special constables will soon have new powers to arrest and fine people using drugs on the O-Train, buses and in transit stations.

The Ontario government introduced amendments to the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, which was passed last year to prohibit drug use in public spaces. The province says the changes would “crack down on illegal drug use” on public transit.

The regulatory changes would give OC Transpo special constables the authority to stop individuals from using illegal substances on transit and in transit areas, and issue tickets or make arrests if individuals refuse to comply.

“Protecting Ontario means making sure people feel safe when they use public transit,” Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said in a statement on Monday.

“Through these proposed changes we are giving law enforcement and their partners the tools they need to keep our communities and transit systems safe, while holding offenders and those who enable them accountable.”

Those convicted could face a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or six months in prison.

In a statement on social media Monday morning, Premier Doug Ford said “tough new rules” were coming to combat public drug use on transit.

“We’re bringing in tough new rules to crack down on people using drugs on public transit so we can keep our communities safe,” Ford said.

In February, Ottawa council voted 17 to 7 to express support for the proposed Ontario government legislation to expand enforcement powers to OC Transpo special constables.

OC Transpo special constables have the authority to investigate, arrest and lay charges under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act when dealing with possession of illicit drugs, Chief Safety Officer Sabrina Pasian told CTV News Ottawa in February.

Pasian told reporters in February that the Ottawa Police Services Board would still need to approve granting the new powers to special constables once implemented by the Ontario government.

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In a statement to CTV News Ottawa on Monday, Pasian said OC Transpo would be reviewing the legislation.

“The safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority. OC Transpo Special Constables already play an important role in supporting a safe and secure transit system, working closely with the Ottawa Police Service,” Pasian wrote.

“We will review the new legislation in detail and work with the Province and policing partners to understand how any changes will be implemented in Ottawa, including any required training for our staff. Our focus will remain on ensuring that any measures are applied appropriately, consistently, and in a way that supports both safety and customer service across the system.”

Rideau-Vanier city councillor Stéphanie Plante, whose ward includes the ByWard Market and Rideau Street, says she supports the plan.

“I hear a lot from people in my community about this issue,” Plante said.

“I hear about it frequently in my inbox and I think we have to keep in mind that most people who are taking public transit, especially in Ward 12, don’t really have options to take a car either.”

Some riders agree drugs are a problem on transit, buy wonder whether this is the right approach.

“I don’t think that [special constables] are equipped with whatever the knowledge or the training,” said Natalia Valdes, who was taking transit on Monday.

“It would be adding to the work that they have without probably proper training.”

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“Not sure about a ticket,” said transit rider Josef Narbuada.

“How can you really ticket someone who has already lost everything in their life and who doesn’t care about if you give them a ticket?”

According to the OC Transpo special constable‘s report in 2024, there were 250 drug offences on OC Transpo property in 2024, down 39 per cent from 2023.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond and Natalie van Rooy