As residents and local businesses push for a stronger police presence in downtown neighbourhoods like Ottawa's Chinatown over increased safety concerns and open drug use, some legal experts say policing isn't the solution.
Safety Concerns Intensify After Closure of Supervised Consumption Site
For many, safety concerns have intensified over the last year following the closure of the supervised consumption site at Somerset West Community Health Centre, which has forced drug use out of the facility and into the open. Around the same time, safe supply clinic New Dawn Medical moved into the area and has been facing months of backlash over a sustained increase in crime and safety concerns.
Crime Statistics Show Rising Trend
Police databases show an increase in crime in the neighbourhood year-over-year with 6,164 dispatched calls for service in Centretown West in 2025, representing the highest yearly total within the last five years. So far in 2026, police have reported 37 assaults, one criminal harassment, two robberies, 15 break-and-enters, three car thefts, 84 thefts of $5,000 and under, and 36 reports of mischief in Centretown West as of April 21. Chinatown isn't isolated as a neighbourhood in Ottawa police databases, but Centretown West encompasses the area including Chinatown and Little Italy.
Businesses Suffer from Crime and Drug Activity
For Chinatown stores and restaurants, increased crime and drug activity isn't exactly encouraging businesses to stay in the area. Some shop fronts on Somerset Street West have even put up fences within the last year to protect themselves from theft. For Yukang Li, executive director of the Somerset Street Chinatown Business Improvement Area, an increased police patrol and more visible law enforcement 'are both necessary and justified' from a business perspective.
'We continue to see frequent incidents in Chinatown, including theft, open drug use, drug trafficking and at times violent crime,' Li said in an email to the Ottawa Citizen. 'A stronger and more consistent police presence plays an important role in improving public safety and restoring confidence among residents, businesses and visitors.'
Police Response and Expert Opinions
Amid ongoing safety concerns in Ottawa's Chinatown neighbourhood, Ottawa police say it is maintaining a 'co-ordinated approach' to respond to calls in the area. 'OPS is aware of community concerns related to drug activity in the Somerset Street West area,' a police spokesperson said. 'As with all locations, information received from residents and partners is assessed and addressed through appropriate enforcement, investigative, and harm-reduction-focused responses, often in collaboration with City and health partners.' However, legal experts urge decision-makers to consider alternatives to law enforcement, arguing that policing alone cannot address the root causes of open drug use and that a public health approach is needed.
