Ottawa police are investigating a homicide after a man was killed in the ByWard Market Thursday night.

Police said Austin Simon, 39, was stabbed in front of the Shepherds of Good Hope shelter on Murray Street near King Edward Avenue around 10:25 p.m. He later died in hospital.

As of Saturday afternoon, there had been no arrests. Murray Street was closed overnight, but reopened around 6 a.m.

While the stabbing happened near the shelter, Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury told CBC Ottawa Simon was not a client of the Shepherds of Good Hope.

Fleury has been outspoken about safety in the ByWard Market, highlighting the need for CCTV cameras, more youth programs, and a dedicated group of police officers to work on preventative and proactive measures — not just patrol around bars and nightclubs on weekends.

Austin Simon died after being stabbed in the ByWard Market Thursday night. (Supplied by Rory Jorstad)

Shelter issues statement

In a statement, Shepherds of Good Hope president and CEO Deirdre Freiheit said shelter staff and workers with Ottawa Inner City health provided assistance to the man before first responders arrived.

Freiheit said the safety of both staff and clients is the shelter's "number one priority."

The shelter has "multiple safety mechanisms" in place, Freiheit said, including 24-hour video surveillance and a private security firm patrolling the property.

Police ordered the shelter locked down after the stabbing, she added.

The major crime unit is now handling the investigation. They're asking anyone who might have information about the crime to get in touch with police.