ByWard Market street closed for hours for police operation early Sunday

Ottawa police vehicles during a police operation in the ByWard Market on March 8, 2026. (Joshua Marano/CTV News Ottawa)

A significant police presence in Ottawa’s ByWard Market halted traffic in the area for approximately five hours early Sunday morning.

The Ottawa Police Service says it was called to a wellness check at a residence in the 100 block of York Street between Dalhousie and Cumberland streets just before 5 a.m.

Police asked residents to avoid the area in a post to social media.

CTV News Ottawa cameras at the scene capture an armored vehicle and officers carrying long guns. A woman staying at the Andaz Hotel across the street said she heard screaming at approximately 4 a.m.

Police did not elaborate on details but said there was no threat to public safety.

“Generally speaking, if someone is at risk of harming themselves, specialized units are there to ensure all precautions are taken and to support any individuals involved, including first responders,” Ottawa police told CTV News Ottawa in an email.

The scene was cleared by approximately 10 a.m. and York Street has since reopened.

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