Building Safer Communities: OPS and Centretown BIA Team Up for Uncommon Spaces

Centretown’s streets are being reimagined through Uncommon Spaces, part of the Street Seats Pilot Program—a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, the City of Ottawa, and the Centretown BIA. 

These installations turn overlooked corners into vibrant gathering places for art, music, workshops, and community connection.

Ensuring these spaces are safe and welcoming is where the Ottawa Police Service comes in.

OPS Community Policing Officer Stephanie Lemieux works hand-in-hand with the Centretown BIA to support local businesses and strengthen community trust.

“My relationship with the Centretown BIA has been about fostering strong partnerships—engaging with their staff, board, and business members to address crime concerns, promote safety, and encourage effective use of police services,” says Constable Lemieux.

Through regular “Constable’s Reports” at BIA meetings and bi-weekly walks along Bank Street with BIA staff, Constable Lemieux connects directly with business owners—sharing crime prevention tips, resources, and encouraging conversations that build safer streets.

This proactive approach to policing helps ensure initiatives like Uncommon Spaces not only thrive but also remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all.

For full event details or to book the space for your own workshop, meet-up, or activation, follow @centretownottawa or visit www.centretownottawa.ca.