07-07-2025
ByWard Market area will have increased police presence for rest of summer
Headed to the ByWard Market? You can expect to see more police in the area when you get there.
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The Ottawa Police Service, in a news release Monday, stated that residents and visitors will notice an increased police presence in the Market and 'Downtown Rideau' for the remainder of the summer as part of a 'focused initiative to address crime and social disorder.'
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It said Frontline and Neighbourhood Resource Team officers will be patrolling the areas in collaboration with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa's Bylaw and Regulatory Services.
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A zero-tolerance approach will be taken in monitoring disorderly behaviour (including Liquor Licence and Control Act offences) and aggressive panhandling, the release stated.
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The police also released results from what they called the ByWard Market and Downtown Rideau Safety Initiative, conducted overnight on July 5. As a result of the operation, there were 15 alcohol pour-outs; four business safety inspections; four medical calls; one edged weapon seized; one firearm seized; one fight broken up; and one property found.
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The community safety initiatives are to continue every weekend during the summer to 'ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.'
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Police said incidents can be reported online at by calling the non-emergency number 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or by calling 911 in the case of an emergency or a crime in progress.
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