By Sandra Milton
As 2020 and COVID unfold this summer, and while many of us have been self-isolating, we may have observed someone not following rules, particularly in parks and other public spaces. Everywhere has been like a ghost town, an unusual feeling for most of us who are used to the hustle and bustle of life. Seeing the ByWard Market so empty was eerie.
Some of us are lucky and have homes and a safe place with essential services, such as a bathroom and laundry facilities. Others are not so lucky.
While we were locked down and inside in a safe place, our first responders were still on the street working for us. We would like you to know who they are:
To start with, meet Ottawa Police Services Neighbourhood Resource Team in our neighbourhood. These men and women on bicycles provide a community feel and an understanding of each community’s issues. They are very friendly and approachable! The guy in the middle is Constable Sebastien Lemay, our community officer in Lowertown.
There are also City Park Ambassadors, who are here to provide you with information about COVID rules in parks, and ensure that park users are social distancing appropriately. Meet Mat, J.R. and Jason. When not acting as park ambassadors they manage city community centres. And we can’t forget emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Come rain or shine, they suit up in protective gear to assist people in need..
At Wabano Outreach, staff work from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and at the Salvation Army staff work from 11 am to 3am daily. Both services transport homeless and at-risk people to safe, appropriate shelter..
And the Causeway Needle Hunters patrol our parks twice daily, ,morning and late afternoon, to pickup up any discarded drug paraphernalia.
Thank you frontline workers, first responders, families, friends, neighbours and those we saw from a distance but never met.
Reaching out:Who to Call?
Most calls should be made to 3-1-1. Your call will be triaged and sent to the appropriate service.
Call 311 or go online ottawa.ca to report any infractions and issues related to City of Ottawa services for garbage, outreach services, needle pickup, parking, noise, or overnight campers between 2300 and 0500 hours.
If you see something suspicious report it. Call 911 directly if it’s an emergency, for example life-threatening emergencies, fire, medical or crime in progress. You can also call 613-236-1222 option 4 for community police non-emergenciesThe Lowertown Community Association is working with Wabano, the Salvation Army, the Causeway Needle Program, Inner City Health, the Sandy Hill Community Centre and other services to ensure the safety of all in Lowertown.
When calling for service from a park you need to provide the address :
- Bordeleau Park – 349 Bruyère St
- King Edward Park – 101 King Edward Ave
- Basketball court – 9 Union St
- Bingham Park – 145 Cathcart St
- MacDonald Garden – 541 Rideau St
Remember you can also call to compliment a City staff member or for the customer service you received!
Sandra Milton is the Director, Safety and Security, at the Lowertown Community Association.