Josh Piercey

Guelph police charge 6 'holistic' spas for advertising 'sexual services'

Police in the Royal City have laid charges after an eight-month investigation into spas that were advertising sexual services online.

According to Guelph police, the case opened in May 2025.

The project, launched by the Guelph Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, was in response to an increase in activity on online platforms, specifically for several "holistic" spas advertising sexual services at their establishments.

A holistic spa is a business that focuses on a mind-body healing approach rather than focusing on specific physical ailments.

In partnership with bylaw enforcement, the police service laid 40 bylaw charges against six of those establishments operating in Guelph.

In a press release on Tuesday, Guelph police indicated they they're committed to ensuring that businesses in the Royal City are complying with municipal regulations and safeguarding vulnerable individuals within the community.