Crime in Barrhaven is increasing. The ward reported the highest jump of crime in 2021, with an uptick of 20.7 per cent. While canvassing, I’ve heard from residents who have had their cars stolen right out of their driveways, only to be told from police that it must go through their insurance, without any police report ever being taken. Every day on the many Barrhaven Facebook groups , we see people who are saying their cars were broken into and damaged, with the incidents happening right across the ward. This is unacceptable. As a community of 100,000 people, we need to be better served by police resources. 

Cobble hill resident Kiranpal Singh and Ranjit Dhaliwal had the misfortune of their 2021 car stolen in front of their home. Mr. Singh captured the entire event on his video surveillance system and called the police right away. There was barely any action taken by the Ottawa Police and the officer instructed Mr. Singh to call their insurance and follow up. Unfortunately, the insurance only covers the rental car for up to 30 days, now Mr. Singh is left without a car for his daily commute. The new car deliveries are backed up and not available for up to 3-4 months. 

Barrhaven is no longer a sleepy suburb; it’s now a city within a city. With crime trends heading up in Barrhaven every year, we need to address this problem now. I am launching this petition to let Ottawa Police know that we need more resources in the community. 

If I have the honour of being your representative in Barrhaven West, I promise to continue the right for more policing in Barrhaven. We must ensure the community remains a safe place for our children and many families.