(Ottawa)– The Ottawa Police Service, in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, City of Ottawa By-Law and OC Transpo Special Constables, conducted a Community Safety Project in the entertainment districts of downtown Ottawa. The focussed effort was designed to address on-going community concerns in the downtown core associated with disturbances, noise, public intoxication, drug use, aggressive driving and property damage.
This project took place on February 14, 15, 16, 2014. “The goal of the Community safety Project is to promote the safe and lawful enjoyment of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks, Transit way properties and businesses,†said Inspector Chris Rhéaume, Central District. “We are working with the local community and residents to address their concerns regarding nuisance offences. Our approach to violators is education through the enforcement of Municipal By-laws, Provincial Statutes and Criminal Code offences.â€
Over the course of the three days, the combined agencies laid a total of 459 Provincial offence notices under different acts such as: the Liquor License Act, the Safe Streets Act, the Trespass to Property Act, the Highway Traffic Act, the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, the Smokefree Ontario Act, and Ottawa Bylaws. 24 criminal charges were laid under the Criminal Code. 4 Arrest warrants were executed over the week-end. Several inspections were conducted on licensed establishments which resulted in 19 charges related to liquor License infractions.
The Ottawa Police Service would like to thank its partner agencies, the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario, OC Transpo, Ottawa Bylaw Services and Demo/Beats Squad for their assistance in ensuring the safety and security of all members of our community who choose to enjoy the downtown entertainment district.