Thank You Ottawa City Police!!

  I would imagine, and correct me if I'm wrong, police officers were damned if they did and damned if they didn't. Please remember I'm only talking about Canada Day security....I'm aware that different people have much different views on police conduct and some for very good reasons. But today I'm only focusing on the added security for Canada's 150th birthday celebrations in the nation's capital of Ottawa.

  Folks are complaining and have been for the best part of a week now. If you live here, the earlier than normal street closures might have caught you off guard. The city's website did a great job of updating the closures and possible alternate routes. Each day the net was wider as the police staked their claim. All in an attempt to keep everyone safe on the big day.

  Friday was a huge challenge getting around the downtown core but again keep in mind they were expecting half a million people to congregate in a small area 24 hours later. The logistics of keeping that many folks safe and secure are mind boggling. Saturday everyone needed to be searched before getting onto Parliament Hill. Every bag, stroller, cooler, chair and umbrella looked at. All for safety reasons.

  People left because of huge lineups. Four and five hour wait times were mentioned. Did that surprise people? Apparently. Should they have been? Ummmm no. Did they think they were the only ones going? Obviously they did. There is no way to get tens of thousands of people through quickly if you want it done properly. None.

  So the day ends without incident. No terrorist attack. No violence to speak of. The fireworks end the evening and all the people go back to their hotels and homes. People wake up the next day and what do they do? Not congratulate the police for keeping them safe. Nope, they were too busy complaining how it was a huge waste of time, money and effort because see...nothing happened. 

  Nothing happened because they planned. They started early. They drew their line in the sand and dug in. They searched everyone and everything that made it onto The Hill. You waited and in return, you got to enjoy your country's birthday celebration without worry or fear. 

  Thank you Ottawa City Police!!! For keeping those of us crazy enough to head downtown on July 1 safe.

  Ang

** I am aware there was more security in place than just the local police force. It seems to me they are taking the brunt of the criticism so that's why I specifically mention them.**