City of Victoria pledges over $10M for public safety following violent long weekend

The City of Victoria has made a bold move to address public disorder in the downtown core by reallocating $10.35 million in city funds. This decision, described by Mayor Marianne Alto as the most important the council has ever made, is a part of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, a key component of the city’s 2023-2026 strategic plan.

The recent announcement comes in response to a series of violent incidents that have shaken the city, including assaults on business owners and strangers, as well as threats to public safety. One such incident involved a man assaulting a business owner on Yates Street, prompting calls for federal and provincial assistance in tackling crime in Victoria.

In light of these events, the city has committed to investing $1.9 million to hire additional bylaw staff, who will be deployed to key areas such as Pandora, Princess, and the downtown core. Additionally, $1.35 million will be allocated to hiring nine new police officers, with an additional one-time payment to support the Province of British Columbia’s Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program.

The plan also includes provisions for temporary housing solutions and investments in upstream services to address the root causes of public disorder. Mayor Alto emphasized that the plan has been carefully crafted over several months and is not a knee-jerk reaction to recent incidents.

Residents of Victoria have expressed mixed feelings about the plan, with some feeling relieved that action is being taken to address safety concerns, while others highlighting the need for empathy and compassion in addressing the underlying issues.

Police Chief Del Manak welcomed the funding, noting that the Victoria Police Department has been under-resourced for years. The department plans to implement an aggressive recruitment and hiring plan to fill vacancies and ensure public safety in key areas of the city.

Overall, the City of Victoria’s commitment to addressing public disorder through a comprehensive, multi-step plan demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents. By investing in both enforcement and upstream services, the city aims to create a more secure and inclusive environment for all who call Victoria home.