Since 1998 the TDTC has been committed to providing alternatives to incarceration for Torontonians who face criminal charges related to drug addictions. This voluntary program is a joint partnership between a number of constituencies:

• CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Ontario Court of Justice
• Federal Dept. of Justice
• Legal Aid Ontario,
• Ministry of the Attorney General
• Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• Public Prosecution Service of Canada
• Toronto Bail Program
• Other community agencies.


Who can participate
Participation is available to non-violent offenders only. People with addiction who have been charged with possession or trafficking of small quantities of crack, cocaine or heroin, minor property crimes or prostitution may participate in the program.

Turning lives around

The TDTC helps addicts make positive changes using a multi-tiered community based approach:
• Supervised harm reduction treatment
• Abstinence support
• Group and individual counseling
• Securing shelter and housing

Upon graduation participants normally receive non-custodial sentences and leave with renewed hope for a drug free life.

Graduate Profile

Peter Lye

Peter Lye

Peter Lye is another Graduate of the program and an active member of the Dreamteam. He is also a member of several committees both within and outside of the Drug Treatment Court, and is one of our most successful graduates. Below is his tribute speech at our 10th Anniversary celebration that was held on December 1st 2008:

I’m glad we are here where I watched my first graduation at Drug Treatment Court. That was when I first believed I would make it.