'The sustainability of Victoria is at stake': Downtown stakeholders ask city to increase police budget
A sharp rise in crime in Victoria’s downtown core has stakeholders saying that public safety is in crisis.
“We really need to see more resources going towards our frontline police to help deal with some of the issues that we’re faced with,” said Jeff Bray, executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA).
The DVBA, along with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Destination Greater Victoria, Our Place Society and the Conservatory of Music, has penned a letter to City Hall. It’s asking the city council to approve the hiring of six new police officers and four civilians before it’s too late.
“If we don’t get a handle on this, the sustainability of Victoria is at stake,” said Jane Butler McGregor, CEO of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Victoria Police Department Chief Del Manak is asking for a seven per cent increase to his department’s budget, or $4.1 million more than the current year.
“It really is a question for council to decide on what sort of investment do they want to make in public safety,” said Manak. “This is one of their core responsibilities, to keep their citizens safe.”
The city budget will be approved in the new year. Currently, council is debating what increases should be sent out for public engagement, to be added to that budget for approval.
“I don’t see any problem when we get to budget debate in the new year with these resources being approved,” said Lisa Helps, Victoria’s mayor.
The mayor, who also co-chairs the Victoria Police Board, says Victoria is a safe city but admits there has been an increase in violent crimes. She wants to see the increases approved.
“I certainly support them; I support the work that Vic PD does,” said Helps. “They are in very difficult circumstances, as are police departments in every city in this province.”
Our Place Society has signed the letter as well.
“We have seen a rise in violence on our streets and disorder,” said Julian Daly, the society’s CEO.
Although many homeless individuals have been housed through the province’s purchases of hotels, some people aren’t able to be housed in those hotels, either because they have caused problems and been removed or they don’t want to live by the facilities’ rules. That puts them back on the streets, often to rely on crime for survival.
“The police actually, in reality, day to day here, we see them helping and keep people who are some of the most vulnerable citizens – homeless folk on the street – safe,” said Daly. “Safe particularly from the criminals who do prey on them.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.