Latest news with #OttawaPoliceService
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Residents say increased policing bringing positive change in ByWard Market, but challenges remain
It's been one year since the Ottawa Police Service opened a new station in the ByWard Market. CTV's Tyler Fleming reports on whether people feel it's making a d A year after a new police hub opened inside the Rideau Centre, residents and business owners in Ottawa's ByWard Market say the increased police presence is making a difference, but many also believe it's just the beginning of what's needed to ensure long-term safety in the city's downtown core. 'I don't feel safe. I don't stay down very long,' said resident Susan Canning while walking through the ByWard Market. 'I do what I have to do and head out.' She's not alone in her concerns. Persistent safety issues in the area were among the factors behind the launch of the downtown police neighbourhood operations centre last year, with more regular foot patrols by police, neighbourhood resource team officers and city bylaw. ByWard Market Police officers in the ByWard Market on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Tyler Fleming/CTV News Ottawa) 'It was necessary and it's a good thing,' says Pat Nicastro, owner of La Bottega Nicastro. 'Visitors like to see them. They're friendly. If there's an issue, they're close by, and that's what the businesses want to see.' The Ottawa Police Service says these efforts are part of a broader, zero-tolerance approach to crime and disorder in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street areas. One night earlier this month, officers seized a firearm, broke up a fight, conducted business inspections and handled multiple medical calls as part of weekend safety initiatives running throughout the summer. Still, residents and community advocates stress that enforcement alone isn't enough, as many note the appearance of a growing number of vulnerable people in the area. 'We've been promoting the fact that if you help the homeless or the vulnerable population first, you help everyone,' said Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association. 'They need short-term housing outside of the city core with support services. So, whatever we do here in downtown, Lowertown, the ByWard Market, we need to help deliver social services better.' The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) echoed those sentiments in its first annual report to city council in late June. While hailing the return of pre-pandemic foot traffic, with over 22 million visits this past year, the BMDA emphasized the importance of long-term renewal and social resilience in a complex urban environment, adding the area 'feels safer' thanks to added patrols and beautification efforts. BMDA executive director Zachary Dayler noted that increased incident reporting is also helping to paint a clearer picture of the issues businesses and residents face. The city has backed revitalization efforts with $21 million in funding, including $10 million toward the redesign of William Street ahead of the Market's 200th anniversary in 2027. For now, police continue heightened patrols through the peak summer season, helping maintain a more secure environment for the millions of residents and tourists who visit each year. With incident reporting on the rise and community partnerships deepening, many remain hopeful the vibrancy of the ByWard Market will not just survive, but thrive. 'Increased police presence has helped,' says Nicastro. 'There's people down here, lots of tourists, things are good.' Even Canning, who remains wary, admits she's noticed a difference. 'Yeah, I believe it's cleaned it up a bit,' she says. 'But I'm still nervous.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
One taken to hospital after vehicle rollover in west Ottawa
One person was taken to hospital following a single-vehicle collision at March Road and Halton Terrace on Saturday evening. Ottawa Fire Services received a call from the Ottawa Police Service at 5:24 p.m. about a vehicle rollover, and after arriving at the scene confirmed that the vehicle was on its side with one person trapped inside. The car was stabilized and an extrication process began at 5:32 p.m. According to an Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson, for precautionary reasons the adult female who had been inside the vehicle was taken to a trauma centre in stable condition. An adult male who was already outside the vehicle when paramedics arrived refused assessment and treatment. Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Related Fire crews stage midnight rescue of kayaker in Shirley's Bay Third person charged with murder in Barrhaven shooting death
CTV News
7 days ago
- CTV News
Ottawa police seek help locating missing woman, 40, last seen July 2
Ottawa police say Michelle Sedore, 40, was last seen in downtown Ottawa on July 2, 2025. (Ottawa Police Service/handout) The Ottawa Police Service is asking for the public's help locating a missing 40-year-old woman. Michelle Sedore is not from Ottawa. She was last seen at around 1 p.m. July 2 in the downtown core. Police say she is 5-foot-6 (167 cm), with a slim build and long, straight blonde hair. She also has a tattoo on her hip. Anyone with information about her current whereabouts is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or
CTV News
15-07-2025
- CTV News
Ottawa police charge man in connection with double stabbing
The Ottawa Police Service says a 29-year-old man is facing several charges following a double-stabbing on Saturday. Officers were called to an address on Bareille Snow Street in the Thorncliffe Park area at around 11:45 a.m. Police said in a news release that the two victims and the suspect were drinking together when a fight broke out. During the argument, the suspect allegedly stabbed the two victims and ran away. The victims were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was later arrested and is now charged with two counts each of assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon, and one count each of possession of a weapon and failure to comply with a probation order. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the East Criminal Investigation Section at 613-236-1222-3566.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- CTV News
Ottawa lawyer raises concerns about how police name suspects in news releases
Ottawa lawyer Lawrence Greenspon is raising concerns about the Ottawa Police Service not naming suspects in some news releases.
