Toronto police to open buy-and-sell exchange zones at all stations by end of 2026
Chief Myron Demkiw announced the camera-monitored zones on November 2 to protect residents from robberies during in-person online marketplace transactions.
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Toronto Police will open camera-monitored exchange zones at every police station in the city by the end of 2026 to give residents a safer place to meet when completing transactions arranged through online marketplaces. Chief Myron Demkiw made the announcement on November 2, as Toronto Police launched Crime Prevention Week.
NOW Toronto reported that Demkiw said the service has seen an increase in robberies, thefts and fraud connected to online buying and selling transactions. The exchange zones are designed to reduce those crimes by providing designated spots where buyers and sellers can meet rather than arranging private meetups.
"Our police stations will provide marked locations, they'll be covered by cameras, which will add a level of safety and deterrence," Demkiw said at the news conference, according to NOW Toronto.
Demkiw said officers will not be directly involved in the transactions. The zones serve as monitored locations, not police-supervised meetings.
Mayor Olivia Chow attended the announcement and officially proclaimed November 1 to 7 as Crime Prevention Week in the City of Toronto. "Together let's continue to build a more caring, more affordable, and safer city," Chow said, as reported by NOW Toronto.
Toronto Police also announced community walks during Crime Prevention Week, with officers from all divisions going out to share crime prevention information and hear concerns directly from residents, businesses, local business improvement associations and community leaders. Demkiw encouraged residents to contact their local police division for information about when and where the walks will happen.
NOW Toronto reported that Peel Region already runs five similar buy-and-sell exchange zones, with three in Mississauga and two in Brampton. Toronto's zones will follow the same model.
Demkiw did not say which police stations will have the zones first or give a specific date in November or December. He said more details will be provided by the end of the year. Residents can contact their local Toronto Police division for updates as locations are confirmed.
Questions this story answers
What are the Toronto Police buy-and-sell exchange zones?
Toronto Police will create designated areas at all police stations across the city where residents can safely meet to complete in-person transactions arranged through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. The zones will be marked and covered by cameras. Police Chief Myron Demkiw said officers will not be directly involved in the transactions; the zones are meant to add a layer of safety and deterrence for buyers and sellers meeting strangers.
When will the Toronto Police buy-and-sell zones be open?
Chief Demkiw said more details about the zones will be provided by the end of 2026, and that the zones will become available to the public by the end of the year. He did not say which specific station locations will be set up first or give a date in November or December. Residents can contact their local police division for updates.
Why is Toronto Police launching these zones?
NOW Toronto reported that Chief Demkiw said the service has seen an increase in robberies, thefts and fraud connected to online buying and selling transactions. The zones are designed to reduce those crimes by giving people a safe, camera-monitored public place to meet instead of a private location.
What is Crime Prevention Week in Toronto?
Mayor Olivia Chow officially proclaimed November 1 to 7 as Crime Prevention Week in the City of Toronto at the same November 2 news conference where Chief Demkiw announced the exchange zones. Toronto Police also announced plans to organize community walks in collaboration with police divisions across the city, so officers can share crime prevention information and hear concerns from residents and local businesses.
Did other cities already have similar zones?
Yes. NOW Toronto reported that Peel Region already has five buy-and-sell exchange zones across the region, with three in Mississauga and two in Brampton. Chief Demkiw said Toronto's initiative follows similar measures introduced in other jurisdictions.
Where will the zones be located in Toronto?
Chief Demkiw said the zones will be at police stations across the city but did not give specific locations at the November 2 announcement. He said more information will be provided by the end of 2026. Residents can contact their local Toronto Police division for updates as they are announced.
Where does Olivia Chow stand on public safety in Toronto?
During the 2026 campaign, Mayor Olivia Chow attended the Crime Prevention Week news conference and officially proclaimed the week. Her campaign commitments on public safety are tracked at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/olivia-chow on this site.
How can a resident stay safe when buying or selling online before the zones open?
Toronto Police advise meeting in a public place with other people around, bringing someone with you, and letting someone know where you are going. The buy-and-sell exchange zones at police stations are intended to serve the same purpose once they open later this year. Residents with questions about crime prevention can contact their local Toronto Police division.
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