Assault raises concerns over underpass near Parliamentary Precinct

A daytime assault is raising concerns about safety at an underpass near Ottawa’s Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

A violent daytime assault just steps from the Parliamentary Precinct is raising concerns about safety in the area.

The underpass near Colonel By Drive and Rideau Street has become a hangout for those living on the street. Police were called to the area just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon where they found a man with life-threatening injuries.

The aggravated assault is now raising questions about safety. Many residents say they avoid this underpass in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

“I generally avoid the area,” said Michael McCourt, an Ottawa resident. “There is a lot of people that end up with nowhere else to go so this tends to be a place where they do get together.”

“When it’s dark, I don’t feel safe,” said Nelda Saadat, an Ottawa resident.

“There would be a tendency for me to take a different route sometimes,” said Rick Going, who works in the area at times.

The daytime attack is not the first incident at this underpass. In 2006, a young man was stabbed to death in the same spot. Two years later, city hall launched a pilot project to showcase art in an effort to improve the area and get more people comfortable passing through.

However, after this latest incident, some say more needs to be done.

“There is a lot of traffic that goes through that area,” said Stéphanie Plante, Ottawa councillor. “Anything that can be more pedestrian friendly, that brings more eyes on the street, I would absolutely support.”

One person is in custody, but police have not announced any charges. Investigators are asking any witnesses of the crime to come forward.

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