Tuesday 30 June 2026
It’s A Trap: Ottawa’s Youth Crime‑Prevention Program Launches a New Era of Community Safety
by Ketcia Peters
On May 22, 2026, Ottawa marked a defining moment in youth crime‑prevention with the official launch of the expanded It’s A Trap program. What began nearly a decade ago as a grassroots initiative rooted in lived experience has now become one of the city’s most promising and culturally responsive prevention models. The launch drew high media coverage, strong community turnout, and the attention of leaders across the city and province, signaling a growing recognition that early intervention is not just necessary, but urgent.
The event brought together a powerful cross‑section of Ottawa’s leadership. Provincial and municipal representatives, including MPP Lucille Collard, MPP George Darouze, City Councillor Rawlson King, and City Councillor Stéphanie Plante, were present to show their support. Their attendance underscored a shared commitment to investing in youth safety, community resilience, and culturally grounded prevention strategies.
Their presence sent a clear message: when it comes to protecting young people from exploitation, gang recruitment, and high‑risk environments, every level of leadership has a role to play.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe shared a video message expressing his support, acknowledging the program’s proven impact and the importance of prevention‑focused initiatives in keeping youth safe.
It’s A Trap confronts difficult realities head‑on. The program equips youth with the knowledge to recognize grooming tactics, understand the risks of exploitation, and build the confidence to make safer choices. Its strength lies in its honesty, delivered by trauma-informed facilitators and mentors who speak from lived experience and cultural understanding.
This approach resonates deeply with Black, racialized, and marginalized youth who often face disproportionate levels of vulnerability. The program doesn’t lecture; it connects. It doesn’t shame; it empowers.
Words That Moved the Room: Antoine Collins’ Keynote
The launch featured a powerful keynote address by Antoine Collins, whose message left a lasting impact on attendees. Speaking to the heart of the program’s mission, he shared:
“When we give young people the truth, we give them power. And when we give them power, we give them choices that can change the trajectory of their lives.”
His words captured the essence of It’s A Trap: prevention rooted in truth, empowerment, and community.
Partners Who Make the Work Possible
The success and expansion of It’s A Trap is made possible through the collaboration of dedicated community partners who bring expertise, resources, and unwavering commitment:
- Ottawa Police Service – Youth Section
- Ottawa Community Housing
- Vanier Community Centre
- Moving the Human Spirit
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre‑Est (CECCE)
- Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX)
- Regroupement Affaires Femmes
Each partner plays a vital role in ensuring the program reaches youth where they are, with cultural relevance, trauma‑informed practice, and community‑based support.
Media Coverage That Amplified the Message
The strong media presence at the launch helped bring the program’s message to households across Ottawa. Coverage across television, radio, and digital platforms highlighted the realities facing youth today and the importance of early, community‑driven intervention. For many families, this was their first introduction to the signs of exploitation and the resources available to help prevent it.
Thanks to funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation and with its expanded model now officially launched, It’s A Trap is poised to reach more youth, strengthen more families, and deepen its impact across the city. The program’s long‑term vision is bold and clear: build a safer Ottawa by empowering young people with knowledge, strengthening community networks, and disrupting exploitation before it begins.
The May 22 launch was not just a celebration, it was a declaration of hope, unity, and determination. Ottawa’s youth deserve safety, opportunity, and support. And with programs like It’s A Trap, the city is taking meaningful steps toward a future where every young person can thrive.
It’s A Trap program is presented by North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada
Website: https://rootsandculturecanada.org/
Ketcia Peters is Chief Executive Officer of Roots and Culture Canada
