Crime In Craig Henry: DEVINE

06/22/2025

I wanted to provide some updates to recent incidents in the Craig Henry neighborhood over the past few months, including a shooting on June 1st, as well as the fatal shooting on April 6th, numerous reports of drug trade, stunt driving, youth mischief, and more.

For good reason, residents in Craig Henry and surrounding areas have been concerned.

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This newsletter excerpt from Knoxdale-Merivale Councillor Sean Devine is courtesy of the city-wide community group Your Applewood Acres (And Beyond) Neighbours

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I have been working closely with Ottawa Police Services (OPS), city staff, area residents, and other stakeholders on a number of initiatives, including some planned public meetings. Here are a couple of updates:

OPS briefed me last week about arrests made in connection to the June 1st shooting on Ashwick Court. Specifically, two men were arrested and charged with multiple offenses. Based on the extensive conversation I had with a resident of Ashwick Court, which was consistent with what I learned from OPS, there is no connection between the June 1st shooting and other incidents affecting the neighborhood.

Several of the concerning incidents affecting Craig Henry involve local youth, and in particular local youth from new Canadian families. When multiple residents suggested that many of these youth “simply need activities and things to do”, I took it upon myself to try to make something happen. I quickly made a connection with Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa (ANYO), a local organization “dedicated to supporting newcomers and immigrant children and youth as they become proud Canadians. [They] use sports and social interactions as powerful tools to break down barriers, foster inclusion, and help youth and families thrive.” After meeting with ANYO on May 23rd (photo below), they agreed to create a new program focused on at-risk youth in Craig Henry. ANYO quickly put together a proposal to start this Summer and Fall. From there, I enlisted support from city staff and Minto, for an exciting pilot project that will commence this July.

I’m still working with OPS, the OCDSB and city staff to increase patrols in the area, as well as to put in place physical barriers to prevent cars from accessing certain parking lots where dangerous activity is happening.