Jun 23rd, 2015

Letter of Agreement between OCH and OPS defines partnership

NEWS RELEASE – COMMUNIQUÉ

For immediate release: Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Letter of Agreement between OCH and OPS defines partnership

(Ottawa)—Yesterday, a Letter of Agreement was signed between Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) to formalize and sustain a defined partnership that will support the building of healthy and safe OCH communities.

The Letter of Agreement sets out a framework respecting:

• Collaboration and coordination between OPS and OCH on the creation and maintenance of healthy and safe OCH communities;
• Timely and accurate exchange of information between OPS and OCH where permissible under MFIPPA; and
• Engagement of tenants as active partners in the building of their communities.

  The Letter of Agreement’s key goal is the development of a strategic and intentional approach to address criminal and anti-social behaviours in OCH communities, through tenant engagement.

  Under the agreement, the OPS will continue to have the authority to act as an “Agent of the Landlord” on OCH property.

  It also ensures information sharing and assistance between both organizations. Both parties are bound by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

  “This agreement demonstrates the importance of the relationship between OCH and OPS,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “This is a formal commitment to better serve the tenants of OCH, and all citizens of the City of Ottawa, through increased communication and collaboration between OCH and OPS.”

  The Agreement was signed at the Ottawa Police Services Board last evening by Mathieu Fleury, Chair of the Board, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation; Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation; Eli El-Chantiry, Chair, Ottawa Police Services Board; and Chief Charles Bordeleau, Ottawa Police Service. It will be in place for 5 years.

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  CONTACT:

  Media Relations Section Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

  @OttawaPolice facebook.com/OttawaPoliceService

  Melany Chretien

  Manager, Corporate Communications Ottawa Community Housing Corporation Tel.: 613-731-7223 ext. 2243

  www.och-lco.ca