Ottawa police says new mounted unit will benefit the community

Ottawa Police Service (OPS) launched a mounted unit yesterday at a press conference, which it says will help with the city’s needs.

According to the press release, the unit will help police enhance public safety and engage people across the community. Some specific areas where police hope the horses, and riders, can help is through community patrols, crowd management and crisis response.

“It’s a powerful tool for ensuring public safety while also allowing us to engage with the community in a more visible and approachable way,” Eric Stubbs, Ottawa’s police chief, said.

Costs for the unit are $4.2 million, or $1.4 million annually, according to the 2025 police budget.

The unit is trained with Clydesdale horses, chosen for their intelligence and calm demeanour. They are suited for urban environments and don’t get spooked when navigating large crowds, offering an “approachable” presence in busy areas, the press release reads.

Both horses and riders received training to help them operate in complex environments, allowing them to step into situations across the city.

“The Mounted Unit is a versatile and valuable addition to our operations,” Stubbs said.

Police said that the horses will continue training to prepare for full operations by 2026. That means people can expect to see the unit throughout the nation’s capital in some community events and familiarize themselves with neighbourhoods.

By next year, OPS hopes the unit will be operating with eight horses and eight staff.