Rescue today, revive tomorrow: a call to save Downtown Victoria

John Wilson is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

In business, there are challenges that require a long-term strategy — and others that cannot wait another day.

Before going further, I want to thank everyone who responded to last month’s Chamber column, my first as CEO. The reaction was overwhelming. Businesses have not felt heard for too long, and they are fed up with waiting for real improvement in downtown conditions. The emails, texts and calls keep coming. Our unapologetic voice for business has caught the attention of local politicians — and The Chamber is willing to work together for real change.

We all want this issue to move beyond press conferences and op-ed pieces demanding change. Downtown businesses cannot hold out for vague reassurances from government. They’ve heard too many promises that have faded away once the news cycle moves on.

So, what can governments do differently — now — to begin winning back trust? Let’s return to my opening point: long-term strategies must be matched with immediate action.

Yes, the province must expand treatment spaces for people suffering from addiction and mental health issues. And yes, addressing root causes will take years. But delay cannot excuse inaction. Right now, we need triage. Temporary trailers and the secondment of health professionals are possible first steps.

At the same time, businesses want police and bylaw officers to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to open drug use, property crime and public disorder. On this, there is reason for optimism. Victoria’s new Police Chief, Fiona Wilson, has fresh ideas and deep experience. She will add a new perspective and build off work started by former Chief Del Manak, who served with distinction. We also have the ear of our local mayor and council, who have stepped up efforts to demand higher levels of government provide services in their purview.

Another long-term fix is federal reform of our justice system. Right now, a handful of repeat offenders cause an outsized share of mayhem. Getting this bunch off our streets will stop them from preying on vulnerable people living on those streets. This should be a priority.

But here, too, short-term action matters. The province can help by recognizing the role it plays in contributing to social disorder. When public sector workers were sent home during the pandemic, we saw a social vacuum in the neighbourhoods that house government offices. Empty buildings and deserted streets are magnets for criminal elements. We need weekday vibrancy restored — for the health of our capital city, for government efficiency, and for business survival.

We will not give up on downtown Victoria, and we will not stop speaking up for business.

The city’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan could be a turning point — but only if it is backed with urgency. Decisions are being made right now. Businesses are weighing whether to stay or go. Residents are already changing their routines based on fear. Visitors are leaving with impressions that damage our reputation. This is not tomorrow’s problem — it is today’s reality.

Please let us know what you think. Share your observations and suggest solutions to communications@victoriachamber.ca.

This column was originally published in the September edition of the Business Examiner.