Ottawa police boost patrols on Bank Street to address safety concerns

Ottawa Police sign outside headquarters on Elgin St. in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ten people are facing charges after police conducted a “proactive policing engagement” to address community concerns about safety and criminal activity on a section of Bank Street in Centretown.

The Ottawa Police Service said the members of the Central Neighbourhood Resource Team and platoon officers led a “coordinated enforcement and outreach initiative” along Bank Street between Catherine Street and Gladstone Avenue.

“The Ottawa Police Service (OPS), in collaboration with community partners, has concluded a proactive policing engagement in Centretown to enhance safety and restore stability along the Bank Street, in response to ongoing community concerns about public safety, disorder, and criminal activity,” police said in a media release.

“The operation focused on addressing repeated disruptions involving a small group of individuals, supporting vulnerable individuals, and enhancing safety for residents, businesses, and visitors in the area.”

Police said 10 individuals were identified, resulting in 14 Criminal Code charges and two Provincial Offences Act charges.

“Officers conducted proactive patrols, engaged directly with community members, and took targeted enforcement action where required,” police said.

“The initiative also connected individuals to support services through partner agencies, reinforcing the OPS commitment to a balanced approach that combines enforcement with social supports.”

Police said the service will continue to maintain an “enhanced presence” on the Bank Street corridor to support “long-term community safety and well-being.”

Centre 507 at Bank Street and Argyle Avenue said it is supportive of the efforts by police to address safety concerns.

“Centre 507 is seeing the impact of increased pressures in the Centretown community, and we recognize that safety is a concern for residents, businesses, and the people we serve,” Centre 507 said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“We are supportive of the Ottawa Police Service’s recent efforts to address safety concerns in the neighbourhood. At the same time, we know that lasting solutions require a coordinated approach that includes housing, mental health, and addiction supports. Ensuring people have access to safe spaces and services is key to improving outcomes for everyone.”

In January, a police operation targeting shoplifting at a Bank Street grocery store resulted in 12 people facing a total of 78 charges.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson

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