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
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.