Published in The BANAR June 2025
Don Kelly, BCA Safety Director
Neighborhood Watch Program – Empowering Our Communities
The Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP) plays an active part in keeping our community safe. Our program here in the Hamlet is part of the Ottawa Neighborhood Watch Program (ONWP) and is supported by the BCA. The ONWP is administered by the Ottawa Police Services.
While the primary mission of the NWP is neighbours helping neighbours, its also a great information source on crime prevention strategies. Working with different police agencies, but primarily the Ottawa Police, the program has helped reduce crime and create a safer environment for our residents. Over the past several months, the BCA has held discussions with other local community associations in an effort to promote the merits of the NWP.
On May 13, in Beacon Hill, I met with the Councillor of Beacon Hill, Tim Tierney; Julie Valliant-Saunders, President of the Beacon Hill Community Association and Constable Mike Gatti of the OPS to discuss the Neighbourhood Watch. Good ideas were presented on how the program could be enhanced in our area.
One concept discussed was the development of a Neighborhood Watch Committee, composed of the community associations of Ottawa East. The committee’s goals would be to look at the various NWP programs in our area and develop a harmonized voice, as well as to share strategies and information. Councillor Tierney, who is a strong supporter of community networking, applauded the initiative and offered the assistance of his office. Julie & I agreed to explore the concept with our Boards while Constable Gatti agreed to act as a conduit to the ONWP, should the concept be realized.
Road safety
The week of May 13-19 was Road Safety Week in Ottawa. At the meeting, with our Beacon Hill neighbours, one lively discussion was the failure of paint markings on our roadways. Councillor Tierney, the Chair of Ottawa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, highlighted that new requirements (standards) of the paint properties have resulted in disappearing lines or drivers having trouble seeing the faded lines, and it’s become a hazard to road safety. This hazard is notable in the Hamlet at the west end bypass where the left lane road markings to enter the Hamlet are no longer visible. This has often resulted in ongoing traffic making risky maneuvers. Councillor Tierney stated he is having ongoing discussions with City staff to find a possible solution.
Thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and their support for a safer Ottawa.