As residents worry about safety, city moves to revitalize Ottawa's ByWard Market

Near the market stalls displaying fresh vegetables and vendors selling handmade goods are signs of distress, such as people with ripped clothing laying on the ground near downtown shelters, or visibly using drugs.

"There have been some serious changes in the last decades," said Bigras, who is president of the Lowertown Community Association. As the new district authority assumes responsibility, it will receive $200,000 in one-time funding towards redesigning streets and public spaces in the market. "Every single ward has to have emergency housing," said Bigras "Then you're not going to be sending everyone into one small space that has become violent and unsafe."

But those who are living in poverty, who struggle with mental illness and drug use, are not responsible for the overall safety concerns in the market, he said. "Those officers are going to be trained in intervention. They're going to be trained to deal with people in distress and provide assistance. Even if things are escalating, they'll be there to intervene," he said.

Ireland Ireland Latest News, Ireland Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

As residents worry about safety, city moves to revitalize Ottawa's ByWard MarketIn Ottawa’s bustling ByWard Market, tourists and residents from across the city take selfies, indulge in diverse cuisine, buy souvenirs and enjoy drinks on…
Source: OttawaCitizen - 🏆 21. / 68 Read more »

As residents worry about safety, city moves to revitalize Ottawa's ByWard MarketIn Ottawa's bustling ByWard Market, tourists and residents from across the city take selfies, indulge in diverse cuisine, buy souvenirs and enjoy drinks on patios as they explore the historic neighbourhood just east of downtown.
Source: CP24 - 🏆 30. / 67 Read more »

ByWard Market pop-up testing event aims to reduce stigma and check more people for HIVAn estimated one in ten Ottawa residents with HIV are not aware they are infected — something local health officials are working to change.
Source: ottawasuncom - 🏆 4. / 92 Read more »

Pop-up testing event in ByWard Market aims to reduce stigma and check more people for HIVAn estimated one in ten Ottawa residents with HIV are not aware they are infected — something local health officials are working to change.
Source: OttawaCitizen - 🏆 21. / 68 Read more »