A safer community begins with hard conversations

John Wilson is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

The first step to any recovery is admitting you have a problem. That common saying aptly reflects where we finally find ourselves as we address downtown safety in Victoria.

On Feb. 10, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon with Victoria Police Department Chief Fiona Wilson. It was a frank discussion that didn’t gloss over our current troubles or overpromise solutions to what we know are complex challenges.

Equally important, in my view, is that businesses are finally feeling heard.

For years, the business community has been sounding the alarm. Until recently, however, their concerns were met by well-meaning politicians whose responses essentially amounted to: “Have patience, we’re trying our best,” and “We’re hopeful our plan will help in the long term.”

Last summer, frustrations finally boiled over. The Chamber received crystal-clear direction from our members and board to turn up the volume on our advocacy. “Enough is enough” were the words we used in this very space. Thanks to the audience of the Business Examiner, our message spread quickly throughout the community.

Eventually, things came to a head — and now we are seeing evidence that momentum is moving in the right direction.

Yes, the underlying issues are complicated and their causes multilayered. Yes, street disorder and downtown challenges are affecting many communities. But they are happening here. That means we must look at ourselves. We must help ourselves and refuse to accept that these challenges are beyond our control. These are difficult conversations, but they are now taking place openly — both within the business community and with local government.

There is also a growing groundswell of support for ensuring police have the resources they need to do their work effectively and to support their own members. A well-functioning police department is one of the most important tools local government has to help people feel safe. City council deserves credit for its commitment to rebuilding and strengthening its relationship with the Victoria Police Department.

Of course, this is only a beginning.

Significant work remains to prevent businesses from leaving downtown Victoria and to attract more people to work, shop and gather there. The next step is doubling down on our advocacy to the provincial government so it prioritizes the role it must play in protecting and revitalizing the province’s downtown cores.

The recent BC Budget was disappointing, for sure, and the fiscal pressure facing our province means we need to be even more clear as the unapologetic voice of business.

It is unacceptable that the province has not effectively prioritized downtown revitalization, including faster access to mental health and addiction treatment.

It is equally frustrating that businesses and non-profits ready to be part of the solution remain hamstrung by red tape, layered taxation and rising costs.

The path forward will not be easy, but it is clearer than it has been in years. We will continue to stand tall, turn up the pressure and serve as the unapologetic voice of business in our region.

This column was originally published on Feb. 24 in the Business Examiner.