Victoria allocates $10.35M to address rising downtown violence, boosting police, bylaw staff, and temporary housing under a new safety and wellbeing plan.
Violent Weekend Spurs Urgent City Action
A string of violent incidents over the Canada Day long weekend has prompted the City of Victoria to take swift and decisive action. In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Marianne Alto announced a $10.35 million reallocation of city funds to launch the first phase of its Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. The plan is aimed at tackling public disorder in the downtown core through increased enforcement, housing support, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Plan Aligned With Strategic Safety Vision
The funding aligns with Victoria’s 2023–2026 strategic plan, which prioritizes community safety and well-being. Mayor Alto described the move as “the single most important decision” faced by the current city council. “We must do this. We must,” she said, affirming the council’s commitment to long-standing concerns raised by residents and local businesses.
Spate of Attacks Amplifies Urgency
Within just 12 hours on Sunday, Victoria police responded to several serious incidents. A business owner, Tyson Schley, was assaulted by a stranger on Yates Street. Hours earlier, a man wielding a weapon threatened a fire hall on Queens Avenue, delaying emergency response. Another assault with an “edged weapon” sent a victim running into London Drugs for safety. All suspects were arrested; however, at least one was later released under conditions.
Law Enforcement Receives Major Boost
To strengthen its enforcement presence, the city will allocate $1.9 million to hire 12 new bylaw officers focused on downtown hotspots including Pandora and Princess avenues. The Victoria Police Department will receive $1.35 million to recruit nine additional officers, with an extra $220,000 matching grant linked to the provincial C-STEP initiative. Police Chief Del Manak welcomed the announcement, citing a 44-officer shortfall tied to population growth and limited past resourcing.
Temporary Housing and Social Supports Expanded
In addition to enforcement, the plan dedicates funds to address underlying social issues. Victoria will invest $1.95 million to develop up to two emergency shelter spaces, along with $850,000 for operations and $300,000 for rental properties. A further $624,000 will support local housing non-profits to expand relocation and wraparound services. Although specific organizations weren’t named, the city emphasized that these services are intended to reduce the need for police intervention.
Residents React to Funding Announcement
The announcement has drawn mixed but largely supportive reactions from Victoria residents. Local woman Sasha Santana said, “Doesn’t matter if it’s 12 p.m. or midnight — I’ve felt unsafe.” She supports the plan but stressed the need for long-term mental health and substance use solutions. Priyanka Singh, another resident, believes the situation is less about security and more about compassion. “Empathy and preventative care must be part of the equation,” she said.
Next Steps in Safety Rollout
Victoria’s administration will continue implementing the plan over the coming months, fast-tracking projects deemed urgent in response to recent events. Mayor Alto emphasized that the initiative is proactive, not reactionary. “This plan has been percolating for months,” she assured. Alongside enforcement and shelter efforts, the city will invest in public infrastructure and launch a transportation strategy to connect unhoused individuals to services outside the downtown core.
Conclusion
With a significant financial commitment and a multi-pronged approach, Victoria aims to reverse the rise in violence and restore public confidence. As the city moves forward, leaders are balancing immediate safety needs with long-term social interventions, hoping to transform crisis into sustainable community care.
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