Cape Breton police charge 27 men in prostitution investigation

Twenty-seven men from the Cape Breton area face charges under Canada's new prostitution act as part of an ongoing investigation in downtown Sydney.

Cape Breton Regional Police say they arrested the men, whose ages range from 26 to 81, over several weeks.

They all face a charge of obtaining sexual services for consideration.

The accused have all been released from custody and are expected back in court on Oct. 5.

Police Chief Peter McIsaac says the prostitution problem in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has grown by "monumental proportions" in the last six months.

"It's been a significant concern and a disruption to our main street in Sydney, Charlotte Street," he said. 

McIsaac said the force has received complaints from business owners, residents and tourists.

Their investigation involved foot patrols and a female undercover officer.

'Girls are procuring girls'

McIsaac said about 30 women are involved. The force also worked with mental health and addiction workers and local First Nation groups to tackle why they turned to prostitution.

"It's an issue of survival. A lot of the women down here there's addiction issues. There's mental health issues. There's a lack of education. Lack of housing and a lack of food," McIsaac said.

"The people who are buying these sexual favours are exploiting these women...That's really troubling for us."

Police say six out of the 30 women have been helped through various social agencies.

"Only about 20 per cent are non-native," said Sgt. Jody Wilson. 

"That's happening a lot because girls are procuring girls to get into the business because of their opiate addiction and we are working closely with Eskasoni crisis intervention centres and addiction services trying to help those girls." 

Local business owners are happy with the crackdown. 

"People will see that as positive news and feel more welcome and safe in our downtown," said Michelle Wilson with Sydney Downtown Development Association.