MacKenzie King Bridge re-opened following police operation

A photo of an Ottawa Police Service (OPS) cruiser. (CityNews file photo)

Posted Apr 19, 2026 03:05:39 PM.

Last Updated Apr 19, 2026 03:15:12 PM.

Ottawa Police say the MacKenzie King Bridge has been re-opened following a police operation near the Rideau Centre Sunday afternoon.

Ottawa Police posted a notice on X at 2:12 p.m. Sunday asking people to avoid the area around the Rideau Centre if possible.

“There is no threat to public safety and all efforts are being made to safely de-escalate the situation,” police said.

At 2:21 p.m. police said a closure of the MacKenzie King Bridge was in effect and there was a large police presence in the area.

Shortly after 3 p.m., police said the operation had been cleared.

Officers say de-escalation of the crisis situation was effective and the situation ahs been resolved peacefully.

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