Problems in parks or other public areas

A common problem in parks and other public areas can involve groups of people, often youth, drinking or doing drugs, who might be making excessive noise or causing disturbances for others trying to use the space. Their presence can be intimidating and may make people stay away from these public spaces. All public parks are closed between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and no one should be in parks during those hours. 

If you have a problem with young people in a park in your neighbourhood, there are a few steps you might consider taking. If you know these young people and their parents, your first step might be to talk to their parents and let them know about the issue. You can also try to engage the young people in your neighbourhood and encourage them to become positive agents of change in their communities. By encouraging them to take ownership and helping them organize projects and more positive activities, you can help them become an important and valued part of their community. 

You should not, however, approach a group of people if you do not know them. Your efforts might be seen as hostile or confrontational and might lead to a situation that quickly goes beyond your control. It is better to call By-law (3-1-1) and report the situation, rather than try to solve it yourself. You should always use caution and common sense when considering how to address a problem with a group of people. Your safety is important and you should never put yourself at risk. 

There are programs that exist already and can help you deal with the problem in parks. Youth on the Move is a partnership between City of Ottawa Parks and Recreation, By-law and Regulatory Services the Ottawa Police Service that runs each year from June to September. 

Youth on the Move outreach teams work in parks and common meeting places citywide to address youth issues in parks and other meeting places. The program delivers recreational activities for youth and helps link them to existing programming. You can find out more about Youth on the Move by visiting the City of Ottawa website:

http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca/residents/yzj/recreation/yom_en.html

 You can also call the Youth on the Move outreach team in your area:

East
613-580-2424, ext. 29282

Central
613-580-2424, ext. 27964

West/South
613-580-2424, ext. 41257

West
613-580-2424, ext. 33555 

Or, reach them by email at: yom@ottawa.ca