Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed something encouraging: more and more city and regional councillors are openly acknowledging that open drug use has become a serious issue in Oshawa. That matters, because before a community can solve a problem, it has to be willing to name it honestly.
What concerns me, however, is that the public conversation usually falls into one of two camps. One group argues for more police officers and stronger enforcement. The other focuses almost entirely on long-term solutions such as housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment. Both perspectives contain truth, but each tends to emphasize only one side of the problem. One addresses today’s visible challenges, while the other focuses on preventing tomorrow’s. Oshawa needs both.
The reality on the ground is difficult to ignore. Open drug use is occurring in parks, on sidewalks, and throughout parts of downtown. Businesses are struggling, families are concerned, and many residents no longer feel as comfortable using public spaces as they once did. Addressing the root causes of addiction and enforcing public standards are not mutually exclusive goals. A serious strategy should include both.
As someone coming from outside the traditional political establishment, I believe the first step is not choosing between enforcement and compassion. The first step is bringing everyone involved into the same room and building a coordinated local strategy.
High Point, North Carolina became well known for its Drug Market Intervention program, which brought together police, prosecutors, social service providers, healthcare professionals, faith organizations, community leaders, and individuals involved in drug activity. Participants were offered real opportunities to access treatment and rebuild their lives, while also being clearly informed that continued criminal activity would lead to targeted enforcement. Independent evaluations found meaningful reductions in crime within the targeted neighbourhoods. Read the case study here.I am not suggesting that Oshawa simply copy another city’s model. Every community is different. But I do think we should ask an obvious question: have we ever brought together police, healthcare providers, addiction specialists, housing organizations, business owners, residents, people living with addiction, and their families to develop one coordinated local strategy? If not, why not?
Leadership is often less about having all the answers and more about bringing together people who do not normally sit at the same table. It is about breaking down silos, aligning priorities, and creating accountability. That is where I would begin.
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