Ottawa Police Service introduces new Mounted Unit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 20, 2025  3:20 p.m.

(Ottawa) — Today, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Police Service Board Vice Chair Marty Carr, and Chief Eric Stubbs officially introduced the new Ottawa Police Mounted Unit. This launch of the Unit marks an important step in enhancing public safety and operational efficiency, reflecting the Ottawa Police Service's commitment to improving community engagement and meeting diverse policing needs across the city.

Supported by funding from the Ontario government, the Mounted Unit expands the OPS’s ability to engage with residents and respond to a wide range of operational needs, including community patrols, crowd management, and crisis response.

The Unit pairs specially trained officers with Clydesdale horses—selected for their strength, intelligence, and calm demeanour. These horses are well-suited for urban environments, able to navigate large crowds, manage complex situations, and offer a calming, approachable presence in busy areas.

Both horses and officers undergo extensive training to operate effectively in complex environments, from crowd control to crisis response. This preparation ensures that each team is well-equipped to serve in a wide variety of roles and situations across Ottawa.

“We are excited to introduce this new unit, which will greatly enhance our ability to address a variety of operational challenges, from managing large events to routine patrols,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs. “It’s a powerful tool for ensuring public safety while also allowing us to engage with the community in a more visible and approachable way.”

As officers and their horses continue their training in preparation for full operations, residents can expect to see the Mounted Unit throughout Ottawa, participating in select community events, and familiarizing themselves with the city’s neighbourhoods and public spaces.

“The Mounted Unit is a versatile and valuable addition to our operations,” Chief Stubbs added. "It will strengthen both our response capabilities and our ability to connect with the community, ensuring public safety while fostering cooperation and trust."

Over the next year, the unit will continue to expand and enhance its capabilities. By 2026, the OPS Mounted Unit will be fully operational with eight horses and eight dedicated officers serving in a wide variety of roles across the city, from crowd control at events to outreach and engagement.

To learn more about the OPS Mounted Unit, visit ottawapolice.ca/mountedunit.

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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.

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