Operation Restore wraps week-long Sandy Hill safety crackdown with arrests and recoveries
The coordinated police enforcement between July 13–19 resulted in 10 arrests, 35 grams of crack cocaine seized, and a $3,000 stolen e-bike recovered.
Sources · local media reports
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Ottawa Police concluded Operation Restore, a coordinated week-long safety initiative focused on Sandy Hill, on July 19, 2026.
The operation, which ran from July 13 to July 19, was launched in response to ongoing concerns about public drug use, drug trafficking, and neighbourhood disorder in the Sandy Hill area. Officers from the Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, the Central Neighbourhood Resource Team, and frontline officers conducted targeted enforcement while also engaging with residents and performing community problem-solving activities.
Police reported the following outcomes: 10 arrests related to Criminal Code offences, outstanding warrants, and ongoing investigations; 20 drug-related interactions; 22 verbal Trespass to Property Act notices issued; 14 alcohol disposals; 2 vulnerable youth safely located and returned to appropriate care; 1 youth apprehended on behalf of Quebec authorities; approximately 35 grams of crack cocaine seized; and 1 stolen e-bike valued at more than $3,000 recovered and returned to its owner.
Officers observed a reduction in open drug use, drug trafficking, and associated disorder during the operation, and residents and businesses provided positive feedback about the increased police presence and the improvements they noticed in the community.
OPS said the operation demonstrates "the effectiveness of a coordinated, intelligence-led, multi-unit approach to addressing community safety concerns, supporting vulnerable individuals, disrupting criminal activity, and enhancing public safety in Ottawa's central neighbourhoods."
At a glance
Where was Operation Restore focused?
Operation Restore was a week-long safety initiative focused on the Sandy Hill neighbourhood in Ottawa.
When did Operation Restore take place?
Operation Restore ran from July 13 to July 19, 2026.
What were the main results of Operation Restore?
Ottawa Police made 10 arrests, seized approximately 35 grams of crack cocaine, recovered a stolen e-bike valued at more than $3,000, and safely located 2 vulnerable youth. Officers also issued 22 Trespass to Property Act notices and made 20 drug-related interactions.
Why was Operation Restore launched?
The operation was launched in response to ongoing concerns about public drug use, drug trafficking, and neighbourhood disorder in Sandy Hill.
