The Future of Community Safety in Ottawa: Breaking Silos, Building Harmony
What if Ottawa could become a model of transformative community safety - not just for today, but for generations to come? The opportunity is here, and the time to act is now.
With Ottawa reviewing its Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) finalizing its CSWB Framework, and the Community Development Framework (CDF) partners reframing their strategies, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. These interconnected efforts and the upcoming launch of the OPS District Model in January 2026 highlight a critical need: a truly collaborative approach to community safety.
This is Ottawa’s moment to go beyond traditional methods and create a model that doesn’t just react to crises but prevents them - addressing root causes like systemic inequity and social disorder.
Fortunately, we have lessons from the past and tools for the future. From 2003 to 2010, Ottawa saw the power of community-driven change. Vulnerable neighbourhoods in Ottawa South, Vanier, Lowertown, and Pinecrest-Queensway were transformed through collaborative efforts. Local service agencies, Community Health and Resource Centres, youth service agencies, Community Houses, neighbourhood police officers, and residents worked hand-in-hand to identify priorities and deliver real solutions.
While those leaders paved the way, today’s Ottawa has access to unimaginable tools and partnerships. Resources like the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study, the Neighbourhood Equity Index, the province’s CSWB-related guidelines, and related research offer invaluable insights. Collaboratives like the CDF and initiatives such as "Creating the Change We Want" provide proven strategies for community transformation.
But resources alone aren’t enough. To create lasting change, we must break out of silos and align efforts across all four areas of community safety and well-being interventions. That means:
By addressing the root causes and designing integrated risk interventions, we can prevent social disorder from escalating into crises.
The need for breaking the silos of social development and incident response is evident. The data is clear: 65% of police calls in Canada deal with social disorder, not law enforcement. This raises critical questions:
Experience and research show that the answer to these questions is "no." Much like an orchestra, true harmony in community safety and well-being depends on every part working together.
Social services, municipal agencies, and police must collaborate and work seamlessly with community groups and associations. Upstream partners tackle systemic inequities, while downstream responders address crises. But the key lies in the middle, where prevention and risk intervention stop issues from escalating.
Ottawa has a rare opportunity to lead.
By aligning strengths and strategies, we can move beyond a reactive approach to build a proactive, sustainable model of community safety and well-being.
This isn’t just about reducing crime today. It’s about creating a resilient, equitable city for generations to come. It’s about recognizing that everyone has a role to play, and no one is redundant in this shared mission and interconnected system.
The future of Ottawa’s safety depends on us rowing in the same direction. Together, let’s break down barriers, embrace collaboration, and build a city where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.
This is our moment. Let’s make it count.
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Credit
I once heard that much of good work is lost for lack of just a little more. However, when it comes to Ottawa’s community safety model, I am confident that what we have achieved so far will never be lost.
The following initiatives and individuals have laid the foundation for a transformative model where the world no longer operates in silos—separating social development from incident response or law enforcement. Whether we choose to link these efforts or not, whether we facilitate or resist them, the future is clear: a community safety and well-being model with clearly designed programs at all three levels—upstream social development, midstream prevention and risk intervention, and downstream effective incident response.
This foundation stands as a testament to the incredible work of the following leaders, organizations, and initiatives:
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Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (ONS)
Without Betsy and Mike’s tireless efforts, the ONS would not exist today. Their work continues to provide invaluable insights into Ottawa’s communities.
Neighbourhood Equity Index (NEI)
Under Dianne’s leadership and Stefka’s expertise, the Social Planning Council—supported by United Way East Ontario (UWEO) and the City of Ottawa—pioneered this vital initiative. The NEI’s untapped potential, including adding a community safety and well-being domain, could provide Ottawa with an actionable snapshot of progress every five years.
Community Development Framework (CDF)
David Hole and Leslie McDiarmid’s innovative thinking extended beyond social development, collaborating with police and service providers to address risk factors. Meanwhile, Steve, Clara, and Donna provided leadership at the municipal level, laying the groundwork for the CDF to play an instrumental role in the future of community safety.
Special thanks to Tammy Corner , Gillian Keefe and Kelli Tonner, who continue to lead and engage committed partners in advancing this work.
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) OCH has been a cornerstone of community development and safety in Ottawa. Thanks to the dedication of leaders like:
Role Model Community Engagement Specialists These individuals went above and beyond their call of duty, engaging their communities and partners to drive meaningful change:
Community Houses Community Houses have been critical in engaging Ottawa’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. Leaders such as:
Their efforts have been instrumental in fostering consistent engagement and mobilization.
City Councillors Many councillors have worked closely with residents to champion safety and well-being initiatives. These include:
-?????? Maria McRae
-?????? George Bedard
-?????? Clive Doucet
-?????? Mark Taylor
-?????? Matheiu Fleury
-?????? Peter Hume
-?????? Jean Cloutier
Community Leaders
The success of all the community-level initiatives to address crime and disorder was heavily dependent upon the community leaders in each community, such as Charlene, Wafa Jama, and Suzanne al Tahan in Banff Community; Sawsaon in Russell Heights; Susan McCowell and An Waters in Lowertown and Maryan Kreishan in the NROCRC area among many more who helped cultivate strong bonds among neighbours, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community.
Ottawa Police Service (OPS) OPS members have partnered with communities to develop successful, replicable engagement models. Key contributors include:
Acknowledgment of Many More There are countless other organizations, initiatives, and individuals who deserve recognition for their contributions to Ottawa’s progress. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it acknowledges the collective foundation that has been built. Your work is invaluable, and its legacy will continue to shape a safer, more equitable future for Ottawa.
Thank you for being the pioneers of this transformative journey. Together, we are building something extraordinary.
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Partner at One World Inc.
1 个月Good effort to connect all of this work on a sort of continuum, Abid. I think that will help people to see the connections. I agree that middle zone - the collaborative space - is key. But we need to look at what's required to support that collaboration because it doesn't "just happen". You need a common vision between the organizations and the community, and you also need organizations to give their staff "room and permission" to collaborate, to innovate, to try new ideas/approaches and to learn from them. That is so crucial. Thanks for pulling together so many important strands of this work!
Dedicated systems thinker with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement/community development, crime prevention, conflict resolution, Social Rx and health promotion.
1 个月Great summary of previous work and insights into what's to come, Abid. I believe you are right; "the key is in the middle." As I listen and read through your non-exhaustive list of so many partners who have helped to pave the way through community development, community policing, advocacy around these key issues, tracking the data, and Social Rx, I note that most all continue to innovate the work... because we believe in it. Great that you put into words and video format, thank you.
Innovator-in-Residence, Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre & Carlington Community Health Centre
1 个月Well explained. Perhaps worth exploring how "social prescribing" (pioneered in the community health field) can be creatively adapted to community safety/well-being.
Executive Leadership| Non-Profit Governance & Management | Program Development, Quality & Impact| Chevening & AusAID Alumni
1 个月Very insightful analysis Abid Jan !