Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at bolstering safety in one of the city's most iconic districts. The city will launch a $1 million pilot project to hire private security personnel for the ByWard Market.
A Coordinated Public Safety Announcement
The announcement was made at Ottawa City Hall on December 4, 2025. Mayor Sutcliffe was joined by key leaders from the city's emergency and community services, signaling a coordinated approach to the issue. The group included Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs, Ottawa Fire Chief Paul Hutt, Ottawa Paramedic Chief Pierre Poirier, and Somerset West Community Health Centre CEO Suzanne Obiorah.
This gathering of top officials underscores the multifaceted strategy being employed to address community safety concerns. The pilot project represents a direct municipal investment into supplemental security measures for the bustling market area, which is a major hub for tourism, dining, and nightlife.
Details of the ByWard Market Security Pilot
The one-million-dollar pilot is a clear response to ongoing public calls for enhanced safety and visibility in the downtown core. While specific operational details, such as the number of guards to be hired or the exact duration of the pilot, were not immediately disclosed, the financial commitment marks a substantial step.
The use of private security is intended to complement the work of the Ottawa Police Service and other city agencies. These additional personnel will likely focus on providing a consistent presence, deterring low-level crime, and offering assistance to visitors and vendors, thereby freeing up police resources for more severe incidents.
Context and Expected Outcomes
The ByWard Market has historically faced periodic challenges related to crime and perceptions of safety, especially during evening hours. This pilot project is a proactive attempt by the Sutcliffe administration to tackle those issues head-on with a new tool.
The involvement of community health centre leadership, like Suzanne Obiorah, suggests the initiative may also be linked to broader social support strategies, recognizing that security is intertwined with social services and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the historic market.
City officials will monitor the pilot's effectiveness closely. Its results will inform future policy decisions and funding allocations regarding community safety and security partnerships in Ottawa's urban neighbourhoods.
