Community Safety and Policing

December 2025 Update

As we wrap up the year, I want to share an update on the important work that has taken place at City Hall and here in our community. Recent budget decisions marked a key moment for our city, helping to set clear direction on what will move forward and where priorities have been placed. I am encouraged by the progress coming out of this process, particularly when it comes to strengthening safety in our neighbourhoods.

Community safety has always been a top priority for me. Throughout the budget discussions, I pushed hard for meaningful investments and a strong focus on keeping our streets and public spaces safe. In the video below, I explain why these budget decisions mattered to me, what I was advocating for throughout the process, and how these investments reflect the priorities our community has consistently raised. I speak directly about the importance of setting a higher standard for safety and ensuring residents’ voices were represented at the table.

In my closing remarks at Council, I also addressed discussions raised by some colleagues about the idea of increasing the budget. While those ideas were mentioned, no formal steps or motions were brought forward. I felt it was important to be clear and transparent in that moment, and to speak directly to residents about what was actually happening. In the second video below, you will see my closing remarks at Council, where I speak candidly about the budget discussion, clarify what was and was not advanced by Council, and explain why I felt it was important to clearly state my position in real time.

For transparency, residents should also be aware of how Council voted on the police budget. The following councillors did not support the police budget and voted no: Councillor Johnson, Councillor Menard, Councillor Troster, Councillor Bradley, and Councillor King. I believe it is important for residents to have clear information about where elected officials stand on decisions that directly impact community safety.

Here in Beacon Hill–Cyrville, we are seeing real and measurable improvements. The progress in our ward is increasingly being recognized as a model for other parts of the city, showing what is possible when the right priorities are in place. While challenges can happen anywhere, additional policing resources are now coming online, strengthening enforcement and helping address concerns ranging from speeding and dangerous driving to broader community safety and crime.

With Automated Speed Enforcement now turned off, I have been working closely with the Ottawa Police Service on next steps for our community. New local traffic safety initiatives are being rolled out, and residents will see a stronger on-the-ground presence, with officers enforcing the rules through tickets and demerit points where necessary. Please do not speed. Drive responsibly. Our families, our schools, and our neighbours deserve safe roads every single day.

Keeping our community safe is not the work of any one person or organization. Our police officers work hard every day to protect and serve this city, and I am grateful for their commitment. Residents and community partners also play an important role by staying engaged, informed, and connected, so concerns can be addressed early and effectively.

I am proud to represent a community that values teamwork, supports our officers, and continues to care deeply about keeping Beacon Hill–Cyrville a safe place to call home. I will continue advocating for smart investments, strong partnerships, and practical solutions that make a real difference for residents.

April 2025 Update

As the Ottawa Police Service continues its commitment to community-focused policing, the primary objective of the District Revitalization Program (DRP) remains the successful delivery of a fully developed, service-wide four-District Model by 2027. Much of the work planned throughout 2025 and 2026 is specifically designed to lay the groundwork for this milestone, ensuring that all critical infrastructure and support systems are in place ahead of full implementation.

One of the key priorities over the next two years is to finalize the organizational design model. This model will be closely informed by the completion of geographic boundary modeling activities currently underway. By aligning internal structures with defined geographic boundaries, OPS aims to ensure that each district is equipped with the leadership, resources, and operational clarity necessary to respond to the unique needs of the communities it serves.

This modeling work will also help determine the financial investment required to fully implement the District Policing Model, including the resources needed to stand up a new South Platoon. By gaining a clear understanding of the financial and operational needs, OPS will be better positioned to support sustainable, community-oriented service delivery across all four districts.

While the current focus remains on developing the essential backend structures, systems, and operational processes, these foundational efforts are critical. They will ensure that once the model is rolled out, it will function seamlessly and effectively, enabling a modernized approach to policing that is responsive, accountable, and aligned with the expectations of the Ottawa community.

Enhancing Community Safety Through Engagement

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Ottawa Police Service’s new District Deployment Mode pilot, designed in response to your feedback from the 2024 Budget community consultations. A recurring theme in these discussions was the desire for increased officer visibility and engagement in our neighborhoods—where we live, work, and play.

This new model recognizes that each neighborhood in Ottawa has unique needs and aims to strengthen the connection between residents and law enforcement. By collaborating closely with City Councillors and community partners, we can effectively address local concerns.

Improved communication allows us to tackle issues such as mischief, speeding, and theft more efficiently. Your insights are invaluable! By sharing your thoughts and concerns with our office, we can better understand the priorities of our community and work together to create a safer Ottawa for everyone. Thank you for your continued involvement and support in building a stronger, safer community.