The special constables who patrol the Toronto Transit Commission are peace officers appointed by the Toronto Police Services Board but do not have firearms, only pepper spray and a baton. An association representing special constables in Ontario, says the powers have to come with tools to manage volatile situations. “It could be a very useful tool,” said Sarah Kennedy, president of the Ontario Special Constables Association. Kennedy said if special constables’ powers are expanded by the province, it wouldn’t be automatic — the appointing body would have to give them the permission to use them. He prefers recent solutions brought forward by city hall, like a pilot to add crisis workers to downtown subways.

Source: CBC News February 25, 2026 15:01 UTC