Peel Regional Police are currently leading an investigation into allegations of child abuse at Robert Land Academy, a military-style school that was operational in Ontario’s Niagara Region from 1978 to 2025. The investigation, spearheaded by the special victims unit, was announced by police on Monday. Authorities are actively seeking individuals with information regarding the alleged abuse at the academy and encourage them to reach out to investigators or Peel Crime Stoppers.
Numerous former students of the private boys’ boarding school located in Lincoln have come forward with claims of physical and emotional abuse, including instances of sexual exploitation. When questioned by CBC Hamilton regarding the reasons behind the investigation and the focus on Niagara allegations, Peel police mentioned that the Niagara Regional Police Service had requested their involvement due to potential conflict of interest concerns outlined in the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) Regulations.
Niagara police spokesperson, Stephanie Sabourin, clarified that the decision to involve Peel police was influenced by the potential conflict arising from the fact that some members of the Niagara Regional Police Service had prior employment at Robert Land Academy. This move comes on the heels of an investigative report by CBC Hamilton earlier this year, which shed light on the abuse allegations associated with the school.
In response to lawsuits filed by former students alleging abuse dating back to the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Robert Land Academy declared bankruptcy last year. The closure of the school was attributed to declining enrollment and increasing costs, without any direct mention of the abuse allegations as a contributing factor. Financial documents indicate substantial funds required for litigation and settlement of claims against the institution.
Former students recall a strict military-like environment at the academy, where staff held ranks, students were termed “cadets,” and a regimented military routine was followed. Despite the closure of Robert Land Academy, the impact of the abuse allegations continues to reverberate, prompting calls for heightened regulations concerning private schools in Ontario. Some former students have highlighted instances of criminal convictions among instructors during their tenure at the academy, emphasizing the need for more stringent background checks for school staff.
As the investigation unfolds, former Robert Land students and advocacy groups have been vocal about the need for tighter oversight and regulation of private schools in the province. The Education Minister’s office reiterated that while the oversight role of the province is primarily focused on schools granting high school credits, any reports of abuse or criminal activities should be reported to law enforcement authorities.