Panda Game 2024: Celebrate responsibly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 27, 2024       7:16 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is joining our partners from Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Sandy Hill Community Association to support this year’s Panda Game event. Building on last year’s positive celebrations, the OPS’s goal is to ensure that this year’s festivities are safe, enjoyable, and respectful for everyone. 

Officers will focus on Criminal Code, Liquor Licence and Control Act offences, and other general conduct issues. As always, public safety will be the number one priority. 

Police and By-law officers will once again go door-to-door in the Sandy Hill/ByWard Market and Old Ottawa South areas to speak directly to residents and businesses.  

Police and By-law are aware of several addresses that have previously raised concerns and will monitor them. 

Property owners can grant police Agent Status in advance to enable officers to enforce the Trespass to Property Act if partygoers spill onto their private property. Visit ottawapolice.ca/AgentStatus. 

We remind partygoers that Police and By-law Officers will enforce the law, so we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. We ask attendees to respect the communities where the Panda Game-related events are taking place as they did during last year’s event. 

Here are some tips: 

1. Plan your ride. Drive sober. No alcohol. No drugs. Order a rideshare, take public transit or stay overnight. 
2. Be a good neighbour. Loud and rowdy parties do not make good neighbour relations. Keep the noise/music to a dull roar and respect property in your neighbourhood. 
3. Keep alcohol where it belongs. Police will enforce the Liquor Licence and Control Act. Leave the booze at home or drink it at an authorized establishment.  
4. Don’t invite us to the party. Keep gatherings under control with visitors you know. 
5. Be a good friend. Watch out for the safety and well-being of one another. Call 911 in an emergency. 

If you spot an impaired driver or for emergencies, please call 9-1-1. 

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

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