Canada Day Public Safety Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 9:30 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is working with Canada Day organizers and our policing and municipal partners to implement a public safety plan that allows all Canadians and visitors to freely and safely enjoy the capital during this celebration.

There will be significant road closures and an increased police presence throughout the downtown core from Friday, June 30, to Sunday, July 2. There will also be a significant police presence in the ByWard Market, Sandy Hill and Lowertown areas. Ottawa Police will be conducting its MarketSafe initiative this weekend. This includes an increase in police presence in the ByWard Market between the hours of 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends to ensure that we can quickly and effectively address public safety issues.

Officers will also be deployed to several large Canada Day events in the suburban areas of the city.

The OPS is mindful of the needs of local residents and will try to minimize the impact on local residents. We want both residents and visitors to our city to have a safe experience.

Canada Day operations

The role of the OPS is to ensure public safety and security, and a planning team has been guiding the development of our operations. We will have the resources and plan to respond to safety issues immediately.

The OPS will be present to enforce all relevant acts, such as the Trespass to Property Act, the Liquor License and Control Act, by-laws, and the Criminal Code. 

The Ottawa Police is continually assessing public safety dynamics. We ask the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 613-236-1222 (9-1-1 for life-threatening matters).

For more information

The City of Ottawa’s online traffic map and the City of Ottawa’s traffic Twitter account will have up-to-date information on traffic delays. 

Since Canadian Heritage is managing the event, attendees are asked to visit Canada.ca/CanadaDay for event and access information.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section         

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366