The Guelph Police Service is hosting a women-only fitness event on April 14, 2026, to help aspiring officers practice the physical requirements needed to join the force in Guelph, Ontario. This session gives women a chance to try the 20-metre shuttle run, which is a mandatory part of the provincial police application, in a supportive and low-pressure setting.
The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and requires participants to sign up in advance. To pass the official provincial fitness test, applicants must reach at least Level 7.0 on the shuttle run, and this practice session is designed for all skill levels. This effort mirrors a regional trend to encourage more women to apply, similar to events hosted by the Waterloo Regional Police.
Guelph currently has one of the highest percentages of female officers in Ontario, with women making up roughly 23 per cent of the force. However, the local department has seen a drop in the number of people applying for jobs over the past decade, falling from a high of 647 applicants in 2014 to 154 in 2019. Past practice sessions have been well-received, with women often making up about 70 per cent of participants.
These recruitment efforts are part of a larger goal called the 30×30 Initiative, which hopes to see women make up 30 per cent of new police classes by the year 2030. The city has a long history of women in the force, dating back to 1942 when Anne Hillis was hired as the first female officer. Those interested in more information or career opportunities can also check the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police recruitment website.
