Police, City advising residents of increased presence in downtown core over Family Day weekend

The City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) want to make sure people are able to enjoy the final weekend of Winterlude. 

The OPS and the City are advising of an increased presence of by-law and police officers in the downtown core over the Family Day weekend, to ensure any potential protests result in minimal disruptions to residents, visitors and businesses.

Heads up #OttCity: special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown between February 17 and February 20 due to potential protests this weekend.
Increased @OttawaBylaw and @OttawaPolice presence is also planned in the downtown core.

Details: https://t.co/QhrtpUxAu7 pic.twitter.com/9fmFC2oSja

— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) February 16, 2023

Parking

Special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown between Friday, Feb. 17 and Monday, Feb. 20. Residents and visitors are advised to follow posted signage and to park their vehicles accordingly.

City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services will have additional officers in the downtown core, ensuring all parking regulations are observed. Vehicles found violating these regulations will be ticketed and towed. Exceptions will be made for permit holders and hospitality service loading zones.

Ensuring all other by-laws are followed

In addition to parking violations, tickets will be issued to any individual or group in violation of any other City of Ottawa by-law, including:

·       Unnecessary motor-vehicle or other noise, including speakers

·       Construction or installation of structures on city property

·       Public urination and defecation

·       Open air fires

·       Littering

·       Lighting and discharging fireworks

OC Transpo

There are no changes planned to transit services. 

One year anniversary

The OPS said convoy-related activity has safely passed through Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 14, one year after the federal government invoked the use of the Emergencies Act during the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the federal Emergencies Act on Feb. 14, 2022 for the first time in Canadian history. 

Only about a dozen protesters were present on Parliament Hill by midday, amid a heightened police presence in the area.

With files from The Canadian Press.