Residents say increased policing bringing positive change in ByWard Market, but challenges remain

It’s been one year since the Ottawa Police Service opened a new station in the ByWard Market. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports on whether people feel it’s making a d

A year after a new police hub opened inside the Rideau Centre, residents and business owners in Ottawa’s ByWard Market say the increased police presence is making a difference, but many also believe it’s just the beginning of what’s needed to ensure long-term safety in the city’s downtown core.

“I don’t feel safe. I don’t stay down very long,” said resident Susan Canning while walking through the ByWard Market. “I do what I have to do and head out.”

She’s not alone in her concerns. Persistent safety issues in the area were among the factors behind the launch of the downtown police neighbourhood operations centre last year, with more regular foot patrols by police, neighbourhood resource team officers and city bylaw.

“It was necessary and it’s a good thing,” says Pat Nicastro, owner of La Bottega Nicastro. “Visitors like to see them. They’re friendly. If there’s an issue, they’re close by, and that’s what the businesses want to see.”

The Ottawa Police Service says these efforts are part of a broader, zero-tolerance approach to crime and disorder in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street areas. One night earlier this month, officers seized a firearm, broke up a fight, conducted business inspections and handled multiple medical calls as part of weekend safety initiatives running throughout the summer.

Still, residents and community advocates stress that enforcement alone isn’t enough, as many note the appearance of a growing number of vulnerable people in the area.

“We’ve been promoting the fact that if you help the homeless or the vulnerable population first, you help everyone,” said Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association.

“They need short-term housing outside of the city core with support services. So, whatever we do here in downtown, Lowertown, the ByWard Market, we need to help deliver social services better.”

The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) echoed those sentiments in its first annual report to city council in late June.

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While hailing the return of pre-pandemic foot traffic, with over 22 million visits this past year, the BMDA emphasized the importance of long-term renewal and social resilience in a complex urban environment, adding the area “feels safer” thanks to added patrols and beautification efforts.

BMDA executive director Zachary Dayler noted that increased incident reporting is also helping to paint a clearer picture of the issues businesses and residents face.

The city has backed revitalization efforts with $21 million in funding, including $10 million toward the redesign of William Street ahead of the Market’s 200th anniversary in 2027.

For now, police continue heightened patrols through the peak summer season, helping maintain a more secure environment for the millions of residents and tourists who visit each year. With incident reporting on the rise and community partnerships deepening, many remain hopeful the vibrancy of the ByWard Market will not just survive, but thrive.

“Increased police presence has helped,” says Nicastro. “There’s people down here, lots of tourists, things are good.”

Even Canning, who remains wary, admits she’s noticed a difference.

“Yeah, I believe it’s cleaned it up a bit,” she says. “But I’m still nervous.”

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