I have participated in a number of measures that are making the market a safer place for everyone, from residents of Ward 12 to visitors from other parts of the city, to international tourists.
While I am proud of these measures and I feel strongly that they will make positive change, they do not address the root causes of the housing, homelessness and mental health crises, nor do they spread out social services across the city. We need cooperation and support from all levels of government to address these complex issues. Municipalities cannot do this alone.
Here are some of the recent changes you should know about.
Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) moving into Ward 12: ANCHOR is a 24/7 emergency response service specifically for responding to mental health crises. As of June 2026, this service has now expanded to include Ward 12. This gives residents an alternative to 9-1-1 to call in case someone is in crisis. It also relieves pressure on our emergency first responders. Visit www.centretownchc.org to learn more.
Giving OC Transpo Special Constables the power to enforce open drug use and trespassing bylaws: Open drug use and belligerent behaviour are a big concern in the William Street entrance of the Rideau LRT station. I have received many complaints about this. I put forward a successful motion that asked the Mayor toendorse regulatory amendments at the provincial level that would give OC Transpo special constables the power to enforce open drug use and trespassing bylaws. While Special Constables already have the power to lay criminal charges under federal law, this legislation would grant them the power to lay provincial charges, which would not go on someone’s criminal record. I get a lot of compkaints about public drug use on public transit but it is important we do not criminalize a public health issue.
My Comments on the ByWard Market Revitalization Plan: The City of Ottawa recently put forward a comprehensive plan for the future of the ByWard Market. I provided comments on this report that I felt reflected what I’ve been hearing from you. The future of the ByWard needs to include more public washrooms, and temporary and permanent bollards to support pedestrianizatio while still responding to needs of small business owners.
You can read my full Councillor Comments on my website. https://stephanieplante.ca/statement-on-the-byward-market-revitalization-report/
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