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Key Takeaways from This Week’s Downtown Ottawa Safety Briefing 

On July 24, 2025, the Ottawa Board of Trade convened a Downtown Safety Briefing, bringing together city leaders, industry partners, and community advocates to discuss urgent safety and security challenges facing our city core. 

President & CEO Sueling Ching welcomed board members, economic development committee members, and pillar partners, extending appreciation to the Downtown Implementation Table—especially Cindy VanBurskirk of the City of Ottawa and Mallory Clyne, Downtown Vibrancy Office lead—for coordinating this timely event. 

Special thanks were offered to the event’s speakers: 

  • Sarah Taylor, Director, Community Safety and Well Being, City of Ottawa 
  • Deanna Vecchiarelli, Program Manager, Homeless Programs, City of Ottawa 
  • Chief Eric Stubbs, Ottawa Police Services 
  • Councillor Stéphanie Plante, Ward 12 Rideau-Vanier, City of Ottawa 

Their ongoing efforts to enhance downtown Ottawa’s vitality and openness in sharing updates were recognized and celebrated. 

Key takeaways from the briefing included: 

  • A Collective Approach: OBOT underscored the importance of a holistic and collaborative strategy for downtown safety and security. Today's discussion aimed to inform the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, align priorities, and foster stronger advocacy. 
  • Broad Social Impact: Speakers emphasized that downtown safety is not just a policing issue. It intersects with mental health, addiction, housing, poverty, and social supports—affecting every layer of the community and economy. 
  • Economic Imperative: Downtown Ottawa fuels tourism, innovation, and culture. For businesses and residents to thrive and for the city to remain globally competitive, safety must be front and center. A thriving, safe downtown instills pride and investment confidence. 
  • Progress and Partnerships: OBOT’s ongoing call to action—developed with economic and pillar partners—has already produced promising results, laying the groundwork for enhanced alignment and resource sharing. Increased collaboration is strengthening Ottawa’s downtown for the future. 
  • Focus on Urgency: With safety and security concerns rising, OBOT called for further policy support and resources from provincial and federal governments. Unique Ottawa-based solutions are needed, reflecting local realities and harnessing the city’s spirit of collaboration. 
  • Looking Ahead: OBOT committed to identifying avenues for even more impactful advocacy and accelerated action to deliver visible improvements for downtown Ottawa. 

Bringing together leaders from all sectors to confront pressing challenges in our city is central to the Ottawa Board of Trade's legacy—a tradition spanning 168 years. We proudly continues our role as a convener, collaborator, and advocate for Ottawa’s long-term prosperity. 

For more information on how you can get involved and support a safer, more vibrant downtown, please contact us.

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