Actions announced to help improve safety downtown

Over the past year, we’ve heard from more businesses demanding action on crime and distress outside their storefronts. Last week, the City of Victoria announced it was reallocating $10.35 million to address community safety.

“This is an issue that has been talked about for a long, long time and it’s at the point people are tired of talk,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Increasing police presence is a good start and hopefully will result in immediate and noticeable relief for businesses suffering because of social disorder.”

The Chamber has worked patiently on long-term solutions, such as evidence-based support for people with mental health and addiction issues. We applaud work done by our community partners, while recognizing that even the providers of social services such as Our Place Society and promoters of downtown including the DVBA have said a new approach is needed.

One silver lining is news that downtown continues to serve as a beacon for entrepreneurs with 19 new stores recently opening.

“Downtown Victoria is a gem and absolutely vital to our region’s economy,” Williams said. “We know visitors continue to be dazzled by the charm of the area. At the same time, we also know that long-time businesses are feeling real pressure and more needs to be done to make downtown safer immediately and for future generations to come.”