Victoria Police Unveil ‘Safety Plan’ to Break Up Downtown Encampment

Tents belonging to homeless people are seen in the Harris Green neighbourhood of Victoria on Oct. 11, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Dirk Meissner)

Victoria police has unveiled a “safety plan” to dismantle the city’s downtown homeless encampment. The department cited the need to address public safety concerns after weeks of escorting first responders to the area to ensure their protection during emergency calls.

The phased plan was announced after police said on July 12 that Victoria Fire and BC Emergency Health Services would not respond to calls in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue without police present. This decision followed an incident a day earlier where a paramedic was attacked by a person receiving medical assistance in the area.

Since then, officers from the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) have been accompanying first responders and paramedics when they respond to emergency calls in the area.

After weeks of increasing police presence in the area, VicPD said on Aug. 6 that it is no longer enough to address public safety issues and the encampment would need to be dismantled.

“There is a larger concern for public safety due to growing entrenchment and the increased densification of the encampments in these areas,” said the police statement, noting this has led to more hostility and violence, the discovery of various weapons, and greater risk to vulnerable individuals.

“Our goal is to maintain public safety by taking action to address criminality and street disorder, to find, target and prevent entrenchment of criminals who are exploiting vulnerable persons in those areas, and to work with and support community partners and service providers in ongoing efforts to create long-term housing solutions,” Victoria Police’s Chief Constable Del Manak said in the press release.

In May, Victoria police and bylaw officers launched a large cleanup campaign in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue. They took down tents and asked people to gather their things but didn’t make anyone leave. The encampment came back about a week later.

The July 11 assault incident resulted in injuries to the paramedic, who was transported to the hospital for treatment. Two VicPD officers also sustained minor injuries during the arrest, the police reported. In an update posted on social media, police said the individual faces charges of assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, and willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

VicPD described the incident as a “wake-up call,” and said it’s part of a broader trend of increased violence against officers, extending beyond Pandora Avenue. On June 17, in the 500-block of Ellice Street, a large group surrounded officers and threw rocks at them, which the police said created a dangerous situation.

Phased Approach

The newly released safety plan is divided into three stages, aimed at enhancing public safety and managing encampments along Pandora Avenue and the 500-block of Ellice Street. The plan is estimated to cost $80,000, which will cover overtime shifts for officers on special duty for up to nine weeks.

The first stage, lasting four to six weeks, involves deploying teams of special duty officers on foot patrol to act as a deterrent against criminal activities. These officers will address issues such as assaults, threats, weapons offences, and drug trafficking.

Following the foot patrols, police will implement intensive enforcement measures for two to three weeks. This will involve delivering messages about bylaws and clearing “problematic structures,” such as permanent structures, abandoned tents, and those filled with garbage or excrement.

In the final stage, the removal of homeless encampments will take place. The police will collaborate with other service agencies to assist individuals in transitioning to temporary or permanent housing. The agencies involved in this effort will include the City of Victoria, Bylaw Services, VicPD, BC Housing, and Island Health.