Dear friends and neighbours,

Thank you again for lending your voice to the petition calling for the relocation of Centre 454. Your support is helping drive real momentum.

We’re writing to share a recent and important development:

Belong Ottawa, the organization operating Centre 454, has now publicly confirmed its intention to relocate from 454 King Edward Avenue. In their latest community update, they announced that:

• Extended evening hours are ending, effective August 4, 2025
• Daytime street-level staff coverage will increase to monitor behaviour and respond to community concerns
• A formal relocation timeline is expected to be announced this fall

This shift is a direct response to concerns raised by residents and businesses — including yours. After years of inaction, this marks the first formal acknowledgement from the operator that the site is no longer appropriate.

Why This Matters

• It means our voices are being heard.
• It affirms what the community has known for years — that this location is incompatible with the safety and livability of Sandy Hill.
• It marks a turning point in a long-fought effort to demand accountability from the City and service providers alike.

What Still Needs to Happen

This is not the finish line.

We’ve received no public commitment on where the site will move, when the move will happen, or what protections will be put in place for both future and current neighbours.

We are therefore maintaining pressure on the City of Ottawa to ensure that:

• The relocation happens promptly, not years from now
• A new location is selected that reflects real community suitability and need
• There is no attempt to scale back services at 454 only to prolong its operation indefinitely

We know that continued community engagement is essential to seeing this through. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more updates and opportunities to keep the pressure on as we enter the fall planning window.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Stay informed — we’ll keep you updated on developments as they happen
• Reach out to Councillor Stephanie Plante (Stephanie.Plante@ottawa.ca) to reiterate that Sandy Hill expects a real relocation — not just adjustments or delays
• Share the petition with others who may not yet know progress is underway.

Your voice is making a difference. Let’s keep going until this move becomes reality.

With gratitude and resolve,

Sandy Hill Petition Organizers