Ottawa Police complete ‘Operation Restore’ in week-long safety crackdown
Posted Jul 28, 2026 07:14:38 AM.
Last Updated Jul 28, 2026 07:14:44 AM.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) says they have concluded their project known as ‘Operation Restore’, a week-long initiative in which they attempted to focus on community concerns relevant to public safety in Sandy Hill.
OPS says the Operation Restore project took place between July 13 and July 19, and was in response to ongoing concerns about public drug use, drug trafficking and “neighbourhood disorder” in the Sandy Hill area. The operation involved members of the Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, Central Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT), and central frontline officers.
Police say throughout the process officers conducted targeted enforcement related to the offences listed above, while performing community engagement, various problem-solving activities, and generally keeping a visible presence in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood.
OPS reports that Operation Restore, among other outcomes, has resulted in the following enforcements:
– 10 arrests related to Criminal Code offences, outstanding warrants, and ongoing investigations
– 16 community interactions
– 20 drug-related interactions
– 22 verbal Trespass to Property Act notices issued
– 14 alcohol disposals
– 2 vulnerable youth safely located and returned to appropriate care
– 1 youth apprehended on behalf of Quebec authorities
– Approximately 35 grams of crack cocaine seized
– 1 stolen e-bike valued at more than $3,000 recovered and returned to its owner
The release published by Ottawa Police about Operation Restore says officers involved “observed a reduction in open drug use, drug trafficking, and associated disorder”. They also say residents, businesses and other parties in the community provided positive feedback about the increased police presence in Sandy Hill, as well as the notable improvements to the community they observed during the operation.
OPS’ release ends with the following statement:
“Operation Restore demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated, intelligence-led, multi-unit approach to addressing community safety concerns, supporting vulnerable individuals, disrupting criminal activity, and enhancing public safety in Ottawa’s central neighbourhoods.”
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