High-Visibility Patrols and Community Partnerships Support Downtown Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 16, 2026     11:30 a.m.

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is sharing several recent outcomes from its
Downtown Core Safety Initiative, launched on May 1, 2026. The initiative combines dedicated foot patrols, proactive enforcement, and partnerships with community and social-service organizations to address safety concerns affecting residents, businesses and visitors.

Recent downtown operations have resulted in arrests, the seizure of weapons and replica firearms, connections to social supports, and the recovery of stolen property.

Foot patrol officers arrest armed suspect

On May 2, 2026, Constable Tardiff and Special Constable McGahey arrested an armed suspect on Rideau Street. Heavy pedestrian traffic had obstructed the view of responding officers in cruisers, but Special Constable McGahey identified the suspect while patrolling on foot. Their position on foot allowed them to approach and respond quickly. Constable Tardiff arrested the suspect, and officers seized the weapon.

Police and outreach partners address concerns at Rideau-Sussex underpass

The Rideau-Sussex underpass has been the subject of ongoing concerns from pedestrians and community members, while some of the people gathering there have required shelter, health and social supports. CORE, Neighbourhood Resource Team and Parliamentary Resource Team members established regular patrols in the area and worked with outreach partners to respond to safety concerns and connect people with available services. The regular presence allowed officers to build relationships with people in the area and coordinate with outreach organizations. Teams connected people with shelter and other supports, including culturally appropriate services for Indigenous community members. The combined patrol and outreach approach has helped connect people with alternative accommodations and supports while improving access to the underpass for pedestrians.

Officers locate replica firearm following altercation

Earlier this month, Constable Tardiff assisted frontline patrol officers investigating an altercation in which a firearm had reportedly been brandished. Using knowledge of the area, Constable Tardiff reviewed security footage and traced the suspect’s movements following the altercation. Officers located and seized a discarded replica firearm.

Project Restore officers recover stolen e-bike

On July 14, 2026, Market Neighbourhood Resource Team members conducting patrols near Nelson Street located an e-bike believed to have been stolen. Constable Thompson investigated the bicycle and checked its serial number using the Garage 529 registry. The registry confirmed that the e-bike had been reported stolen in late May. The e-bike was seized and returned to its owner.

“These cases show the value of having officers visible and accessible in the downtown core," says Central District Inspector Cory Robertson. "Foot patrols allow officers to see and respond to concerns that may be less visible from a police vehicle. By combining that presence with enforcement, outreach partnerships and tools such as Garage 529, we can respond to immediate concerns while contributing to longer-term downtown safety."

The Ottawa Police Service continues to encourage residents and business owners to report suspicious activity and register their bicycles with Garage 529 to assist in recovery efforts.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.

CONTACT: 
Ottawa Police Service Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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