In early Bytown, public safety emerged long before formal civic institutions. Responsibility for order initially fell to Lt. Col. John By,  overseeing canal construction. His sappers acted as de facto police and firefighters, reflecting a time when military, police, and fire duties overlapped and professional forces were rare. Bytown had only one constable in 1827, and even major cities had yet to adopt modern policing.

In early Bytown, public safety emerged long before formal civic institutions. Responsibility for order initially fell to Lt. Col. John By, overseeing canal construction. His sappers acted as de facto police and firefighters, reflecting a time when military, police, and fire duties overlapped and professional forces were rare. Bytown had only one constable in 1827, and even major cities had yet to adopt modern policing.

In early Bytown, public safety emerged long before formal civic institutions. Responsibility for order initially fell to Lt. Col. John By,&nbsp; overseeing canal construction. His sappers acted as de facto police and firefighters, reflecting a time when military, police, and fire duties overlapped and professional forces were rare. Bytown had only one constable in 1827, and even major cities had yet to adopt modern policing.&nbsp;

Keeping Bytown Safe

This podcast looks at the history of the city of Ottawa Ontario, since the last ice age to modern day!&nbsp; Visit our website at ottawahistoryhub.com. &nbsp;

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This podcast looks at the history of the city of Ottawa Ontario, since the last ice age to modern day!  Visit our website at ottawahistoryhub.com.  

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Keeping Bytown Safe

Keeping Bytown Safe