Ottawa police taking ‘zero tolerance’ approach in ByWard Market and downtown this summer

By Mike Vlasveld

The Ottawa Police Service is ramping up it's coverage of the ByWard Market and Downtown Rideau, as the weather warms up.

It's launching a series of community safety initiatives this summer to focus on reducing incidents of crime and public disorder in those areas, starting this Victioria Day weekend.

“We will be [taking a] zero tolerance approach to disorderly behaviour, such as Liquor Licence Act offences, criminal activity and aggressive panhandling that negatively impacts residents, visitors and businesses,” said OPS Frontline Superintendent Mark Ford.

Ottawa police officers will be joined by partners such as Ottawa Bylaw, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and OC Transpo as part of these enforcement initiatives.

As in summers past, there will be an increased number of officers on bikes and on foot in the ByWard Market, as well as other high-density neighbourhoods throughout the city. 

In addition to these resources, the Bikes and Beat Unit, the Traffic Unit, RIDE programs, the Drug Unit, the Guns and Gangs Unit and the Direct Action Response Team will also be active in these areas.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today