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CTV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Ottawa police expect Mounted Unit to be fully operational by end of September
The Ottawa Police Service shows off two horses for its new Mounted Unit on Tuesday. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service expects the new Mounted Unit to be fully operational for major events by the end of September, as training continues for the deployment of the first horse unit in Ottawa in 30 years. The Ontario government is providing funding for the new Mounted Unit, which will include eight horses and eight constables and one civilian member. A report for the Ottawa Police Services Board says seven horses are currently active and five officers have been trained. Staff say the unit is deployed an average of three times per week, ranging from two to four hours each, and has been deployed for The Royal Visit and Canada Day festivities in the suburbs. 'At this time, the Mounted Unit is primarily engaged in proactive patrols within select neighbourhoods to build positive community engagement and increase police visibility,' staff said. The report says the Mounted Unit is 'not yet fully deployed for major events or demonstrations' in the downtown core because the horses have 'diverse levels of exposure and training.' 'While some have participated in mounted operations with the Montreal Police Service and have experience in high-density environments, others are newer to urban operational settings,' staff said. 'This variability requires a tailored development approach to ensure all horses and riders are equally prepared for high-stress environments typical of major demonstrations. Further, the horses are not yet equipped with the specialized protective gear typically worn during public order operations, such as visors, leg guards, and flank protection.' Police say one more horse still needs to be purchased and recruitment is underway for three additional constables. The 2025 Ottawa Police Service budget outlines the plan to spend $1.4 million a year for three years to launch the new Mounted Patrol Unit. Funding from the Ontario and federal governments will cover the $4.2 million cost over three years for the unit. The Ottawa Police Service last had a Mounted Unit in 1993, used mainly for ceremonial duties.
CTV News
19-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Late-night kayaker rescued from Ottawa River
An Ottawa Fire Services water rescue boat is seen in this undated image. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa) Water rescue crews were called to respond to a kayaker who got stuck on the Ottawa River late Friday evening. The Ottawa Fire Services say they received a call from police reporting a kayaker in distress at about 11:33 p.m. at the intersection of Shirley Boulevard and Rifle Road near Shirleys Bay Park. On arrival, crews found the kayaker about 1.7 kilometres from the shore. The person had been on the water for about three hours and had not been able to get back, the fire service said. A rescue team was launched, and the kayaker flashed their cell phone light until they made contact with each other. Both the person and their kayak were loaded onto a rescue boat and returned to shore at midnight. No injuries were reported.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Popular Ottawa pool closed for repairs
Ottawa Watch On one of the hottest weeks of the summer, the General Burns outdoor pool is closed to the public. CTV's Dave Charbonneau reports.
CTV News
30-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Almonte family-run business blooming
Ottawa Watch A family run greenhouse in Almonte is booming with business from local restaurants. CTV's Dave Charbonneau has more on the proudly Canadian business.
CTV News
22-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Firefighters rescue occupants of sinking boat on Ottawa River
An Ottawa Fire Services water rescue boat is seen in this undated image. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa) Firefighters rescued the occupants of a sinking boat on the Ottawa River Saturday afternoon. The Ottawa Fire Services say crews responded to the 2700 block of Cassels Street near Mud Lake at approximately 4:50 p.m. after a 911 caller reported to Gatineau firefighters that a boat had struck a rock shoal and was taking on water. There were three occupants aboard the vessel, Ottawa fire says. On arrival, crews found the boat had drifted through the rapids but was still afloat. A water rescue team was launched at the scene and everyone aboard was removed from the vessel by 5:06 p.m. Ottawa paramedics tell CTV News they were called to the incident but there were no reports of injuries.
