Community shaken, but optimistic, about safety
Birch Ave. murder ‘shocking’ but an ‘exception’ to the rule
The recent homicide on Birch Ave.—resulting from a weekly poker game, according to Ottawa police—has left some in the community questioning the safety of their neighbourhood.
While many consider the incident an anomaly in an area typically known for safety, it has sparked heightened concern among residents.
Lana Burpee, Executive Director of the Manor Park Community Council, shares her initial response to the Burch Ave. murder while emphasizing that such incidents are high unusual in the area.
“My reaction was similar to everyone else in Ottawa—shock, disbelief and tremendous sadness. It’s unsettling when violence encroaches on a community, disrupting people’s sense of security and safety. It’s something no one wants to happen anywhere.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King notes the rarity of violent crime in the area. “Crime happens everywhere, and violent crime happens everywhere. But as we know, in Ottawa generally, we have some of the lowest violent crime rates for any large Canadian city.”
He says it’s actually impressive to note that with a population of one million, Ottawa remains one of the safest cities in Canada, especially when it comes to violent crimes.
Post-homicide reaction
He also highlighted the swift activation of the neighborhood post-incident protocol, which ensured that residents had access to accurate information and resources immediately after the incident.
“The [Rideau-Rockcliffe] Community Resource Centre, which primarily provides social services to the entire ward, is in charge of a program that ensures that when there are critical incidents like the homicide, there is a response mechanism for the community to provide in-depth information and access to resources if required.”
He says this protocol allowed residents and the Manor Park Community Association to communicate directly with social service providers and the police.
This ensured that residents received accurate updates about the ongoing investigation and had access to post-incident support, including mental health services, if needed.
Crime map data
A review of recent crime data from the Ottawa Police Service’s interactive map sheds light on the context of this incident within Ward 13 (Rideau-Rockcliffe, the ward including Manor Park, Lindenlea and Cardinal Glen).
Between January 1, 2024, and August 1, 2024, there has been only one homicide recorded, along with 140 assaults and 119 cases of mischief.
This suggests 2024 will see somewhat fewer criminal incidents compares with2023, when Ward 13 saw zero homicides but recorded 1,772 total incidents, including 257 assaults and 171 cases of mischief.
In 2022, the area experienced one homicide among 1,481 total incidents, similar to the number seen so far in 2024. The 2021 data similarly reported zero homicides but included 1,212 total incidents.
An ‘exception’ to the rule
The shooting has not only heightened concern but also brought to the forefront existing issues like vandalism and break-ins, which have been a common worry among residents for some time.
Councillor King mentions the Ottawa Police Service is implementing the new districting model, which aims to improve communication between the community and law enforcement.
“The Ottawa Police Service is instating a new districting model, which allows for greater communication between the community and the police service in terms of relaying concerns and ensuring that there is going to be improved police presence,” he said.
This model, according to Coun. King, introduces more regular points of contact between the community and law enforcement, allowing concerns to be addressed more effectively.
Councillor King said his office and the police are addressing the broader issue of rising property crimes, which have increased citywide as pandemic restrictions have eased.
Like Coun. King, Lana remains optimistic about Manor Park’s safety.
“While violence can happen anywhere, I still believe this is a wonderful and safe community. What makes it safe is that people are good neighbors and actively care about the community,” she says.
Councillor King adds, “This was an exception to the typical rule, which is that communities like Manor Park, especially, are quite safe places to live.”