'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
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.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.