Nearly three weeks ago, residents in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, were shocked to hear about the involvement of two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, in the stabbing and murder of a 23-year-old individual. On the same day, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service disclosed details of another incident where two local 14-year-olds were charged with assaulting and resisting peace officers by biting, scratching, and pushing them.
These consecutive cases caused concern among numerous parents and seniors in northern Ontario, who expressed worries about the well-being of the youth in the region. Approximately 24 hours following these events, the Sault Ste. Marie police announced a renewed collaboration with local school boards to reintroduce the elementary school liaison officer (ESLO) position. This initiative, shared among 33 elementary schools in both school boards, aims to establish positive relationships with students.
According to police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit, the reintroduction of the ESLO position and the reinstated high school liaison officer position are part of proactive measures to engage more youth and foster positive connections within the community. The decision was not a direct response to the recent murder and assault charges in September.
Police services in northern Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, regularly engage with youth by visiting schools and providing educational sessions on topics such as online safety, drug awareness, and traffic safety. Despite these efforts, the incidence of offenses committed by individuals aged 12 to 17 in major northeastern Ontario communities has not shown significant improvement.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the number of youth involved in crimes surged from 73 in 2023 to 162 in 2024, with 2025 figures not yet available. Similarly, in Sudbury, the number of children facing charges for violent crimes increased from 75 to 97 in 2024, and as of September 17 this year, the count was already at 93. In North Bay, 93 youth were part of 142 incidents in 2024, while as of September 18, 2025, 47 youth were involved in 57 incidents.
Sgt. Sherry Young of the Greater Sudbury Police Service expressed concern over the rising numbers of youth crimes, emphasizing the importance of providing children with coping strategies to manage anger and prevent violence. Young highlighted the Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) program, aiming to build trust and relationships with at-risk adolescents to prevent crimes.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Family Services collaborates with the police to support troubled youth and prevent future criminal charges. The Algoma Youth Wellness Hub, established in 2020 and transitioned to a physical space in January 2023, offers counseling and activities for individuals aged 12 to 25 to address mental health and substance use concerns.
Efforts like the youth hub provide a valuable resource for young people to engage in positive activities and receive support, contributing to a healthier and safer community environment.