A survey conducted earlier this year by Queen’s Park Briefing ranked Brown as the Ontario mayor seen as having the greatest impact on public safety in his community.

READ MORE: Queen’s Park Survey 2026: Most influential and safety-minded mayors

One of the most visible changes has been within Peel Regional Police, which is in the midst of what Brown has described as the largest expansion of frontline policing in the country, with plans to add 750 officers over four years.

Adrian Woolley, the president of the Peel Regional Police Association, said the additional staffing has already eased some of the pressure on officers in a region that had fallen behind some major Canadian police services in officers per capita.

“Having someone like Patrick at the microphone advocating for more staff, boots on the ground, and officers out there… he was at the forefront, fighting every day,” Woolley said in an interview with iPolitics. 

For officers already on the job, Woolley said one of the most noticeable differences has been the impact on workload and burnout.

“The burnout isn’t as prevalent as it was before,” he said, adding while officers remain busy, having additional staffing helped spread the workload.

Brown’s public safety push didn’t stop at adding officers.

Woolley said the mayor has been able to build support around the broader idea that residents, regardless of their views on policing, want to feel safe in their communities.

“I think that he found a common ground with everyone that everyone should feel safe in their community, and I think that’s an easy win for anyone to understand,” Woolley said.

Some of the more prominent advocacy has involved policies that mayors usually had little direct control.

READ MORE: Liberal government’s bail and sentencing changes now law 

Earlier this summer, Ottawa’s bail reform bill became law, making it harder for people accused of certain serious crimes to get bail, including violent auto theft, break and enter, human trafficking, assault, sexual assault and violent extortion.

Brown had pushed Ottawa for bail reform for years, including through a federal petition launched following the death of Darian Henderson-Bellman in 2020.

Woolley said those concerns reflected what officers were encountering in Peel.

“We certainly have recidivism in people that are let out that should not be let out,” he said, pointing to Brampton’s A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse as one of the country’s busiest.

Tom Stamatakis, president of the Canadian Police Association, cautioned against portraying Brown as the only mayor pressing senior governments on public safety, but said his previous experience in federal politics gives him an understanding of how to push for change in Ottawa.

Stamatakis said Brown’s approach, like funding the local police service while lobbying for legislative changes at other levels of government, is something that he would like to see more mayors do.

More recently, Brown has turned his attention to extortion, pushing Ottawa to treat a surge in cases as a national problem rather than one confined to Brampton and Peel.

“Extortion is an issue right across the country,” Stamatakis said. “We’ve got an epidemic of that kind of criminal activity occurring not just in his community, but on the West Coast, on the East Coast.”

The police association head said Brown’s willingness to identify when a local problem has broader implications is one of the mayor’s strengths.

While Stamatakis noted changes on the federal level, he said improving public safety requires more than adding police officers or passing tougher criminal laws.

Gaps in mental health care, addiction treatment and social services become public safety problems themselves, he argued, leaving police to respond to crises and disorder that may have originated elsewhere in the system.

“When we have gaps in other services, whether it’s health care or social services, it does have a public safety impact,” he said.

The post Insiders rank Patrick Brown as top Ontario mayor for public safety impact appeared first on CompassNews.

READ MORE: More affordable rental units at the Skyline towers

“The acquisition of these properties represents an opportunity to enhance services, improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, and advance our shared goal of helping people move toward stable, permanent housing.”

He also stressed the importance of property management and site operations.

“With ownership of these properties comes an important responsibility to maintain a high standard of property management and site operations,” he said.

Residents, businesses, and neighbourhood stakeholders deserve confidence that the site will be well maintained, safe, and operated in a way that positively contributes to the surrounding community.”

More than 640 people were experiencing homelessness in Barrie earlier this year, according to county data.

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“This is real relief right now, relief for families that are commuting to work,” Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Wednesday at a press conference.

In April, Prime Minister Mark Carney temporarily removed the 10-cent-per-litre federal excise tax on gasoline and four-cent-per-litre levy on diesel until after Labour Day as the war in Iran sent global energy prices soaring.

READ MORE: Canada temporarily suspends federal fuel tax amid conflicts in the Middle East

The extension will now cost Ottawa an estimated $5.3 billion in foregone revenue.

While Champagne acknowledged that gas prices have continued to rise despite the tax holiday, he said suspending the excise tax remains one of the most direct ways the federal government can provide relief.

The tax will begin returning at half its regular rate on Feb. 1 before being fully reinstated on April 1, 2027, though the minister left open the possibility that changing global conditions could affect that timeline.

“We’ll see the state of the world and thereafter,” he said.

This also comes as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. comes into effect next week, affecting around $27.8 billion worth of American goods.

Asked how Ottawa would absorb the $5.3 billion cost while also providing billions in support to industries and workers affected by the trade war with the United States, Champagne pointed to spending restraint and higher government revenues associated with elevated oil prices.

“We have the fiscal capacity to support you. We’re entering this period in the position of strength,” Champagne said. “Canada is going fine.”

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on the government to extend the temporary relief until next year’s Canada Day, citing that Canadians need “real relief.”

“Any relief for working people is good news, but a modest extension of the Liberals’ current plan will not be enough for Canadians already squeezed by higher costs,” Poilievre said in a statement.

The Conservatives are calling on Ottawa to remove all federal taxes on gasoline and diesel, which the party says would save Canadians up to 25 cents per litre. That would include eliminating costs associated with the Clean Fuel Regulations and the GST, as well as permanently scrapping the industrial carbon price, the statement read.

On the other hand, NDP Leader Avi Lewis is calling for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, pointing out that gas prices are still high even after a “$2.4 billion giveaway.”

“Instead of more corporate welfare, it’s time for a windfall tax on the big oil giants that are set to make $100 billion in profits this year because of Trump’s illegal war in Iran,” Lewis said in a statement.

“Doing so will generate billions in new revenue that we can use to give Canadians real relief at gas stations and grocery checkouts.”

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Police Seeking Assistance in ID for Rideau Stabbing Incident

The OPS is asking for the public’s assistance to identify a group of people involved in a stabbing in the Downtown Rideau Area. At approximately 9:45 p.m. ET on Aug. 4, a male victim arrived at hospital in critical condition. Police located the scene of the incident near the intersection of Daly Avenue and Nicholas Street. Investigators are seeking to identify a group of approximately 16 males who were involved in the incident. Police ask that anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals, or who may have witnessed the incident, to call the Central Criminal Investigations Section.

Via Rail Train Collides with Vehicle

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, OPS officers responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a VIA Rail train on Fallowfield Drive. Authorities transported the sole occupant of the vehicle to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew aboard the train. The railway crossing signals were reportedly operating properly at the time of the collision. Road closures remain in effect as the investigation continues.

OPS Seeking Witnesses to Somerset Street Assault

The OPS is requesting the public’s assistance with an assault that occurred in the area of Somerset Street and Lyon Street during the evening hours of Aug. 14. The incident resulted in an elderly man being taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police ask that anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to call the Central Criminal Investigations Section.

READ MORE: Ottawa Police Blotter – August 26

Update on pills found in Ottawa parks

The OPS East Division Criminal Investigations Unit is continuing its investigation into pills found in three parks in the Chapel Hill South area. Yesterday, members of the Emergency Services Unit conducted an extensive grid search of the parks and located additional pills. Authorities have now located more than 200 pills since the initial police report approximately one week ago. Preliminary analysis has determined that the pills are over-the-counter and prescription medications. Police have identified no illicit drugs to date. 

There have been no reported illnesses involving people or animals who may have ingested the pills. However, the OPS is reminding residents to use caution when visiting the parks with children and pets, as some medications can be harmful if consumed without medical direction or accidentally ingested.

Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area. Anyone with information that could assist investigators should contact the East Division Criminal Investigations Unit.

The post Ottawa Police Blotter – September 2 appeared first on CompassNews.

READ MORE: Defence manufacturing could bring thousands of jobs to Barrie, says Nuttall

“The Trade Accelerator Program will provide training, market development resources, and expertise, giving our local business owners access to support to help them grow their companies, explore those new markets, and build long-term success,” he said.

The TICP was announced as part of Ontario’s nearly $30-billion tariff relief and support plan. The province said it has received more than 80 applications from communities since the program launched.

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“Moving people from one place to another isn’t the answer”

Saari, managing director of Redwood Communities and a local realtor, is making homelessness a key part of her campaign.

She has previously run for council twice and was the federal Liberal candidate for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte in the 2021 federal election.

On the city’s ongoing state of emergency related to homelessness and encampments, Saari said she would first determine what it is accomplishing before deciding whether to continue or end it.

“I don’t think tents in our parks are the answer, but moving people from one place to another isn’t the answer either,” she said.

“If we want fewer encampments, we need to give people somewhere else to go. I want us putting more of our energy into long-term solutions that actually move people out of homelessness, particularly supportive housing.”

Saari also addressed whether she would support reconsidering a supervised consumption site in Barrie.

A proposed site at 11 Innisfil St. was cancelled in 2024 after applications had been made to Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health.

“I don’t have a firm yes or no position on supervised consumption at this point,” she said.

“I want to understand the evidence, what’s worked and what hasn’t, and listen to the people working directly in addictions and mental health before taking a position. A lot has changed around supervised consumption sites in Ontario. The province has moved away from that model toward HART Hubs.”

Saari also identified growth and affordability as major challenges facing Barrie.

“I want us to take a hard look at what we’re spending, what we’ve already committed to, and what we can realistically afford over the next four years,” she said.

“The emergency is secrecy”

Sayer, who has been a Barrie resident since May 2026, focused her campaign responses on government transparency, taxation and what she described as provincial responsibility for municipal pressures.

On homelessness, Sayer said the focus should be broader than encampments.

“The emergency isn’t tents. The emergency is secrecy,” she said.

“Since the convoy, government froze accounts paid with our taxes because people disagreed. That must be addressed by (Premier) Ford and all mayors. Keep the emergency only if we use it to force transparency. Cancel the hiding.”

Sayer also called for greater transparency across municipal spending, a stronger focus on community organizations and a more unified approach from Ontario mayors in dealing with the provincial government.

The 2026 Barrie municipal election will take place Oct. 26.

Compass News contacted Tighe for comment but had received no response by publication time.

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Homicide Unit investigating suspicious deaths

The OPS Homicide Unit and Sûreté du Québec are currently investigating the suspicious deaths of two Ottawa residents. 

Shortly before 1 a.m. ET on Aug. 22, Sûreté du Québec responded to a single-vehicle collision, east on Highway 50 near Papineauville, Quebec. They then located an individual inside the vehicle with injuries considered suspicious in nature. They were transported to a hospital and died shortly thereafter. As the investigation progressed, Sûreté du Québec requested assistance from the OPS. At approximately 11:09 a.m. Ottawa Police officers attended a dwelling on Guigues Avenue, in Ottawa. Upon entering, officers located a second deceased person.

The deceased have been identified as 27-year-old Kesi Fevrier and 34-year-old Kingsley Nwude, both of Ottawa. Authorities are investigating the death of Kesi Fevrier as a femicide. The investigation remains ongoing as investigators continue to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the OPS Homicide Unit.

Police investigating pills found in three east-end parks

The OPS is continuing to investigate after various types of pills were found scattered around three east-end parks. Yesterday, police conducted an extensive search at several Orléans parks and found additional pills located in a third park. Officers have now recovered and seized more than 100 pills at these three parks in close proximity to one another:

•             Blue Willow Park, located on Longleaf Drive;
•             Silverbirch Park, located on Silverbirch Street; and
•             Ruisseau Park, located on Creek Crossing Street.

Police also searched other nearby parks, but found no pills or other unknown substances. The investigation remains ongoing, and residents are asked to be alert of any suspicious activity in the area. Anyone who locates pills or other unknown substances is asked to leave them in place and contact police immediately. Please contact the OPS East Criminal Investigation Section if you have any information.

READ MORE: Ottawa Police Blotter – August 19

Police remove 18 vehicles from Ottawa roads

The OPS, alongside the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), conducted a joint commercial vehicle safety blitz in Ottawa’s east end on Thursday, Aug. 20. CVSA-qualified inspectors from MTO, with support from several OPS units, including East District Traffic, the Road Safety Unit, Impaired Countermeasures and Impounded Vehicles, conducted mechanical safety inspections on commercial vehicles. They inspected a total of 57 vehicles. The enforcement initiative resulted in:

• 18 vehicles taken off the road
• 34 charges laid
• Three licence plates seized

Vehicles were removed from the road for safety-related deficiencies involving brakes and brake components, improper or overloaded tires, improper driver’s licences, insecure loads, missing daily logs, faulty directional signals and a broken trailer floor. One of the insecure loads involved dangerous goods. 

Authorities laid multiple charges for offences related to improper or missing daily trip inspection reports, missing annual inspection certificates, improper tires, major vehicle defects, Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) issues, permit violations, overweight vehicles, improper driver’s licences, disobeying signs and tinted windows.

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Mayoral candidate and city councillor Jeff Leiper is pledging to reverse the city’s return-to-office mandate for municipal employees and pressure the federal government to reconsider its own in-office requirements.

Speaking outside Parliament LRT station on Monday, Leiper argued blanket RTO mandates are increasing congestion and putting additional pressure on Ottawa’s transit system while costing workers more in commuting expenses.

“For everyday residents, this is our time, our money and our quality of life,” Leiper said.

His plan would restore flexible work arrangements for city employees where possible and advocate for more shared federal workspaces in areas such as Orleans, Barrhaven and Ottawa’s South End.

“That would mean shorter commutes, less congestion, less pressure on transit, more money in your pocket,” he said.

Leiper cited that the RTO mandate has added 65,000 additional trips onto OC Transpo, and ten of thousands more cars on the roads.

His plan would also require the city to assess the transportation, financial and environmental consequences of major changes to workplace policies before they are implemented.

The announcement comes as both federal and municipal employees faced increased requirements to work in person.

In February, the Treasury Board announced the change to remote work rules in February, while executive public servants are required to return to the office full-time in May.

Last fall, Ottawa city council voted in favour of maintaining its RTO policy for municipal employees.

Leiper subsequently introduced a motion seeking to reverse the mandate and preserve flexible work arrangements for city staff, but the motion was defeated.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has supported increased in-office work, pointing to the benefits for downtown businesses and public transit.

Leiper said the downtown’s “future vitality” shouldn’t depend on the federal or city return-to-office.

“The future of Ottawa’s downtown, its vitality, its economic vitality, its cultural vitality depends on people living here,” he said.

“We have done work to encourage more development in the downtown and that will continue.”

Asked what influence a mayor could realistically have over federal workplace policy, Leiper pointed to previous discussions between the federal government Sutcliffe over the implications to return-to-office requirements.

“I don’t know what was said behind those closed doors, but certainly, my encouragement to the federal government will be to reverse those return-to-office mandates. We don’t have the transportation infrastructure to handle it and frankly, I think it’s good for the city as well to pursue that course,” he said.

In an email sent to iPolitics, Sutcliffe’s campaign team said the management of municipal employees is the City Manager’s responsibility, not the mayor.

“Playing politics with human resources is counterproductive and performative, especially since the City’s current policy already provides flexibility for alternative work arrangements,” the office said.

“Ottawa needs leadership focused on delivering real priorities like improving transit, building houses, strengthening the local economy and making communities safer.”

Responses from other mayoral candidates 

Other mayoral candidates have released similar policies on RTO mandates.

Earlier this month, homebuilder Alex Lawson also came out against the policy and pledged to put the city formally on record calling on the federal government to reverse it.

“For city staff, I think managers know better than politicians whether employees need to be in the office to do their job. They’re the ones who should decide,” Lawson said in a statement to iPolitics. 

Lawson has similarly proposed expanding federal workplaces outside the downtown core, including in Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven and the south end.

He also emphasized the return of rush-hour bus service during morning and afternoon peak periods, using the city’s existing and incoming bus fleet to accommodate increased commuter demand.

Economist Neil Saravanamuttoo has also opposed the RTO mandate, arguing that Ottawa is “not ready.”

He said he would have pushed the federal government to delay its plans.

“Unfortunately, Mark Sutcliffe did not ask the federal government to reconsider its timelines,” he said in a statement to iPolitics. 

While Leiper’s proposal for greater flexibility for cityworkers “worthwhile,” Saravanamutto said his call for the federal government to reverse its decisions as “theatrics,” arguing that the larger concern is the impact of federal workers.

“People can be productive workers anywhere. Forcing them back into the office is not the way forward,” he said.

The post Leiper pledges to scrap Ottawa’s return-to-office mandate appeared first on CompassNews.

Progress for Mental Health marks the fourth year of Project Saade, an initiative designed to distribute backpacks and school supplies to underserved youth through schools and community organizations in Ottawa.  

The project is also part of a broader Ontario-wide backpack initiative led by PIE education, which Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall co-founded in 2012. PFMH joined the initiative in 2023 alongside the John Tavares Foundation, using donations locally to purchase backpacks and school supplies to donate them locally. 

Over those four years, the organization has provided backpacks to more than 4,000 young people, Amel Storseth, a founder and board member of Progress for Mental Health. 

“It’s the fact that we have touched over 4,000 lives, young lives in Ottawa and Ottawa community,” Storseth said. 

“Returning to school is an exciting time, but for some people, it can also be a nervous time and a stressful time—especially for those that come from different backgrounds.” 

Storseth said the demand for school supplies has become increasingly apparent as families grapple with higher cost of living. 

Four years ago, some community organizations would tell the group they only needed 50 or 100 backpacks. This year, Storseth said organizations were prepared to take as many as PFMH could provide. 

“Times are tougher for people,” she said. “The cost of living has increased, people are struggling more.” 

Project Saade holds a personal significance to Storseth. She helped create the initiative in memory of her late brother. 

“To be a person from immigrant parents who you know came to this country with nothing, only to give themselves and their kids a better life, and then now to give back to other immigrant families is honestly just a blessing, and I’m humble to do so,” she said. 

Some of the organizations that Project Saade has reached includes the Boys and Girls Club, Youth Empowerment Centre, local mosques and schools across the region. 

Christian Lapalme, Superintendent of the French-Catholic School Board (CECCE), said the initiative not only eases pressure from families, but also help fill a need for newcomers arriving in Ottawa. 

“Cost of living is one thing, but obviously immigration is another,” Lapalme said, noting that many newcomers arrive in Canada with only essentials and may not have everything their children need to begin school. 

“Nothing is worse than a kid not having a backpack and being laughed at, so we’re talking about mental health,” he said. 

The CECCE received 200 backpacks this year to distribute among 17 schools, covering students from grade 3 to 12. 

“Immigration is one key component that we’re trying to help,” Lapalme said. 

*iPolitics and Ottawa Compass publisher Brian Storseth is also a founder and board member of Progress for Mental Health, the organization behind Project Saade. 

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