Coordinated enforcement initiative addresses public safety concerns in Centretown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 4, 2026 1 p.m.
Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS), in partnership with City of Ottawa agencies and multiple specialized police units, recently conducted a coordinated enforcement initiative in Centretown aimed at addressing ongoing concerns related to criminal activity, open drug and alcohol use, disorderly behaviour, and public safety.
On September 2, 2026, officers from the Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT), Market NRT, CORE Unit, Community Police Unit, Drug Unit, and City partners focused enforcement efforts within several identified hotspot locations throughout Centretown, including areas along Booth Street, Somerset Street, Bank Street, and Cooper Street.
The initiative involved highly visible foot and vehicle patrols designed to address community concerns, engage with residents and businesses, conduct investigations, and identify individuals contributing to ongoing disorder. Officers also worked collaboratively with municipal partners to address broader quality-of-life issues affecting the neighbourhood.
As a result of the operation, officers:
- Arrested 10 individuals;*
- Laid 27 Criminal Code charges;
- Laid 9 Provincial Offences Act charges;
- Seized quantities of illicit drugs, including crack cocaine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone;
- Recovered a stolen bicycle and returned it to its owner; and
- Seized a replica handgun.
This enforcement initiative contributed to restoring public order in several identified hotspots and demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in addressing chronic neighbourhood concerns. Intelligence gathered during the operation will help inform future enforcement and problem-solving initiatives aimed at improving community safety.
The Ottawa Police Service remains committed to working alongside community members, businesses, and partner agencies to address public safety concerns and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Centretown.
*Arrests: Theft under $5,000 x2; breach of probation x1; obstruct/resist a peace officer x3; possess weapon dangerous to public peace x3; carry concealed weapon x2; possess prohibited/restricted weapon x1; unlawfully possess Schedule I substance x7; possession of a Schedule I substance x3; possession of a Schedule I substance for trafficking x4; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 x1.
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