Ottawa police report fewer incidents in ByWard Market, Lowertown neighbourhood hot spots this year

A report for the Ottawa Police Service’s Board shows the eight hot spots Ottawa police are focusing on as part of its new strategy to boost officer presence. (Ottawa Police Services Board/report)

The Ottawa Police Service is reporting a 12 per cent decrease in reported incidents in the ByWard Market and Lowertown area through the spring and summer, as part of its new strategy to boost officer presence in eight high priority areas.

However, a report for the Ottawa Police Service’s Board says calls and incidents have increased 54 per cent in the area of Rideau Street, Sussex Drive and Colonel By Drive near the Rideau Centre.

Police launched a new Community Outreach Response and Engagement Strategy (CORE) in 2024, with a focus on maintaining a visible, proactive presence in the tourist area.

The eight hotspots include Rideau Street near Sussex Drive, Rideau Street near Dalhousie Street, the William Street/ByWard Market Square, Dalhousie Street between Rideau and George streets, Daly Avenue between Cumberland Street and King Edward Avenue, Clarence Street between Sussex Drive and Parent Avenue, King Edward Avenue between Bessser Street and Rideau Street and Rideau Street and Besserer Street from King Edward to Nelson Street.

“CORE Hot Spots Policing continues to focus on places most in need of attention, using proactive presence and engagement to reduce demand and crime in priority areas,” police said in a report for Monday’s Ottawa Police Services Board meeting.

The report shows there was a 12 per cent decrease in reported incidents in the March-August period compared to the same timeframe in 2024, while there was an 11 per cent decrease in total calls this year compared to March-August 2024.

Police say the violent crime severity was down 25 per cent through the spring and summer compared to the same period last year, while non-violent crime was down 12 per cent.

The report does say calls and incidents rose 54 per cent in the Rideau/Sussex/Colonel By area in the March-August period, compared to the same time in 2024.

“This remains the most challenging location, requiring intensified multiagency focus,” staff said.

Police say there was a 49 per cent drop in incidents in the area of Daly/King Edward, and there were decreases in incidents in the Clarence/Parent and Rideau/Besserer area.

“Officers are prioritizing engagement over enforcement, often connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, mental health, and addiction supports,” police said. “Businesses and residents continue to express appreciation for the visible police presence and report stronger feelings of safety.”

The report, submitted by Chief Eric Stubbs, does say that while implementing the CORE strategy remains a “top priority, staffing limitations have impacted our ability to sustain a consistent police presence in high-priority areas.”

“To address this, recruitment and training are ongoing, with new officers being added to frontline patrol and Neighbourhood Resource Teams as they become available,” Stubbs said.