Police, bylaw stepping up enforcement at Ottawa's beaches, parks
On the first weekend of Ottawa’s reopening one of the city’s jewels is closing early.
"People want to be outside, people want to see their friends, I get that but we still need to take some basic precautions," River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington said.
At Brockington’s request, the city is closing Mooney's Bay at 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday for the next two weekends, in response to several weeks of incidents at the park.
"This pavilion has been very popular, it’s been like competing DJs setting up and large groups of people who are dancing and enjoying the music and, of course, that’s a bit of an issue with so many people gathering in close proximity," Brockington said.
In a letter to the city, Brockington added there have been a number of cases of people openly drinking and smoking in the park and ignoring other bylaws.
Now Ottawa police and Bylaw Services will maintain a constant presence in the park.
"It’s not the fact that people are meeting here, it’s basically all the activities that are associated with that that are a concern. So, again, Bylaw will be here in the evening, police will be here in the evening to reinforce that message," Brockington said.
Some DJs who perform in the park on weekends say despite the sometimes large crowds they can draw - and social media advertisements - they’re not encouraging anyone to break public health orders.
"We didn’t invite a lot of people but we’re not stopping anybody who wants to come dance," said Abiodun Temi Ambrose, who goes by DJ Dr. Tee.
Ambrose and fellow DJ Dylon Aldrich, also known as DJ Kobi, perform most weekends at the beach.
Aldrich says he received an $880 fine from bylaw for his performances, but still plans to be back this weekend.
"I like going to the beach, playing my tracks, making people dance, it’s kind of my thing and for me, I leave at 10 because I don’t want to get in trouble," Aldrich said.
Still, they’re not flouting the rules. They say with the increased presence of bylaw and police, their performances could change.
"Another thing we’re going to try to different now is try to tell people that are coming when we’re doing to space out. If they’re not with a couple they should wear a mask, try to give us room to dance," Ambrose said.
Some beachgoers say the new closing time won’t have an impact on them, but its unfortunate the city has had to take action.
"It bothers me a little more since they’re not really caring about the consequences it can have for other people. Maybe some people like to come here a little later but their actions are causing them to change their plans and everything," Sofia Sandoval said.
Others are doubtful the increased enforcement will have an impact.
"I really don’t think it’s going to stop anything at all, I really think people are just going to do what they want," countered Courtney Lecompte.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.