ByWard Market café break-in raises safety concerns for small businesses

A break-in at a ByWard Market café is raising concerns about safety for small businesses in the popular tourist area. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

A break-in at a ByWard Market café, caught on security camera, is renewing concerns about safety for small businesses in the area.

Staff at Beans N Barrels Café and Lounge discovered the damage Tuesday afternoon when they arrived to open the café.

Assistant manager Nandini Upadhyay says the first sign something was wrong was the front door.

“When I came here, I saw that something was wrong with this door, and when you come outside, you can see the handle was taken away,” she said.

Once inside, she says it became clear the café had been broken into.

“Our POS system wasn’t the way it was supposed to be, our cash drawer wasn’t there as well,” Upadhyay said.

Staff then reviewed security footage, which shows two individuals ripping the till from the computer and leaving with the cash just before 6 a.m. Upadhyay says about $1,500 in cash was taken.

Beyond the financial loss, she says the incident has taken a toll on staff.

“Usually there is only one person working here at the café,” she said. “It does impact our mental health, it makes us feel like we’re not safe at the end of the day.”

The break-in comes amid ongoing concerns about safety in the ByWard Market, where a number of businesses have closed over the past year, some citing security issues.

According to the Ottawa Police Service online crime map, there have already been two reported break-ins in the area so far this year, along with more than a dozen reported petty thefts.

Area councillor Stéphanie Plante says the issue extends beyond the Market.

“It’s not just in the Market, it’s in Centretown, Sandy Hill, Beacon Hill, anywhere you have a lot of retail, we’re hearing more of these kinds of problems,” Plante said.

“We need long-term housing, we need guaranteed income, we need things like job security for people instead of precarious work, and those are things that we need upper levels of government to address. I would encourage everyone to support local, shop at your local stores, learn where your local businesses are because they really do need a hand, especially in these trying times.”

Late last year, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced a $1-million pilot project to hire private security in the ByWard Market. Police have also said patrols have been increased in the area.

The ByWard Market District Authority said in a statement it is developing a comprehensive framework for a new community safety pilot program in the area.

“We recognize that meaningful work is needed in the area, and this pilot is intended to enhance safety while also addressing perceptions and improving overall comfort in the neighbourhood, executive director Victoria Williston said in an email

“With an annual investment of $500,000, this program will need to be deployed strategically to achieve measurable impact. For that reason, the BMDA is actively exploring opportunities to leverage additional investment from private partners, as well as provincial and federal governments. Sustained, collaborative investment is critical to ensuring the ByWard Market District remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents, visitors, and tourists alike.”

Still, Upadhyay says more visible checks, especially during overnight and early morning hours, could make a difference for small businesses.

“I know their resources are limited, but as a small business, it would really mean a lot if they could come and check up on us,” she said.

Ottawa police are investigating. The café says it hopes to reopen before the weekend.

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