Focused downtown safety initiative takes place in ByWard Market, Rideau corridor and Sandy Hill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2026   1:25 p.m. 

(Ottawa) — As part of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Downtown Core Safety Plan, officers conducted a focused safety initiative on June 12 and 13 in the ByWard Market, Rideau Street corridor, and Sandy Hill neighbourhood. 

 Led by the CORE Team, the initiative focused on enhancing community safety through visible police presence, proactive enforcement, and engagement with residents, businesses, visitors, and vulnerable individuals in the downtown core. 

 The Downtown Core Safety Plan is in effect from May 1 through September 30 and aims to improve community safety, address concerns related to social disorder, and support residents’ and visitors’ perception of safety through enforcement, engagement, and partnership-based responses. 

 Participating OPS units included the CORE Team, ByWard Market Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT), Warrant Apprehension Team, Traffic Enforcement Team, Auxiliary Unit, Mounted Unit, Frontline officers, the Marine, Dive & Trail Unit, and the Crime Analysis Section. 

 The operation was also coordinated with several municipal partners, including OC Transpo Special Constables, By-law and Regulatory Services, and Public Works. 

 Throughout the two-day initiative, officers made 12 arrests for Criminal Code offences, including the execution of 10 warrants. Two people were also referred to community partner programs for additional support. 

 Officers conducted 30 alcohol pour-outs, issued eight warnings for provincial offences, and community interactions, including check-ins with vulnerable individuals, concerned residents, and local businesses. 

 In addition to enforcement activity, officers assisted members of the public throughout the downtown core. This included returning a lost wallet to a resident, helping lost tourists with directions, and supporting people navigating the area. 

 The Downtown Core Safety Plan combines proactive enforcement, community engagement, and partnership-based responses to address emerging concerns and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

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