Police deployed across Ottawa to deter car meetups; laid dozens of charges
Posted Jun 1, 2026 01:48:09 PM.
Last Updated Jun 1, 2026 03:18:34 PM.
Provincial and Ottawa police joined forces across the municipality to deter illegal car gatherings and laid almost 40 charges.
South, east and west officers at the Ottawa police were sent to several areas where property owners said there were illegal meetups happening. In some instances, there were concerns of mischief, property damage, criminal activity and dangerous driving on May 29.
They patrolled the roads and highways to target aggressive driving and other traffic infractions, laying charges for speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to stop for a red light and a number of equipment violations.
One driver charged during the enforcement was a motorcyclist caught going 151 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 417 near Huntmar Drive. They were charged with stunt driving and speeding, resulting in their licence suspended for 30 days and the bike is impounded for two weeks.
A suspended driver was caught in an uninsured vehicle and with an expired licence plate by an automated licence plate reader (ALPR). The same technology alerted police to a driver with expired plates on Kent Street, and after further investigation officers discovered it was also uninsured.
On Highway 417 near Moodie Drive, a person was stopped going 157 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. They were charged with stunt driving.
“Residents can report traffic-related concerns online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Information submitted by the public helps the OPS identify problem areas and allocate enforcement resources where they are needed most,” officials said.
Kanata car meet-up drew large crowd
This enforcement comes after police dispersed 75 vehicles in a Kanata parking lot that had gathered for a meet-up last week.
According to Ottawa police, they conducted a traffic enforcement operation last week after a car meet-up was prompted on social media as a legitimate event. Police said that it drew in 75 vehicles after the information to meet up in a parking lot in Kanata was circulated online.
Officers confirmed with the owners of the lot that they had not authorized the event, and the group was forced to leave.
Police said that while clearing the area, there were no incidents and all the people who attended cooperated with authorities.
