Peel Police Launch Investigation into Abuse Allegations at Robert Land Academy in Niagara Region

Peel Regional Police announced Monday that its special victims unit is leading an investigation into allegations of child abuse at Robert Land Academy, a military-style private boys' boarding school that operated in Ontario’s Niagara Region from 1978 until its closure in June 2025.

According to a news release from police, investigators are seeking information from anyone with knowledge of alleged abuse at the academy. Authorities called on witnesses or those with relevant details to come forward, either directly to investigators or via Peel Crime Stoppers.

The investigation, which focuses on reports spanning from the 1980s through the 2010s, follows allegations from dozens of former students of physical and emotional abuse, as well as, in some cases, sexual exploitation. The probe comes several months after multiple former students filed lawsuits against the school, claiming abuse during their time there. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Peel police took over the case at the request of the Niagara Regional Police Service. The request was made in accordance with conflict of interest guidelines set out by the Community Safety and Policing Act, Niagara police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin confirmed.

Robert Land Academy, known for its strict military routines, filed for bankruptcy and closed citing declining enrollment and rising costs, not the allegations. Financial documents indicate that over $135 million is projected to be needed for litigation and claims against the school. In a statement of defence, the academy denied all abuse allegations, stating that if abuse did occur, it was not the school’s fault.

Calls for tighter regulation have followed these revelations, with former students and advocates urging the Ontario government to strengthen oversight of private schools. Currently, staff at private schools in the province are not required to undergo vulnerable-sector background checks.

The investigation into Robert Land Academy is ongoing. Peel Regional Police have not provided further comment pending the outcome of the inquiry.