News
Victoria’s Community Safety Plan to prioritize the well-being of all residents

Aug. 14, 2023, Victoria, B.C. – Victoria city council is moving ahead with the development of a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which will identify opportunities for the city to take a leadership role in making the community safer and improving well-being for all. The plan’s development will be guided by a 10-member panel representing community leaders across diverse sectors, including business, public health, housing, law enforcement, fire response as well as downtown residents.

“We know that cities across the country are struggling with a variety of challenges including the safety and well-being of all their residents. Victoria is going to lead with a solution-focused plan that will encompass an intentional, balanced, practical re-imagination of community safety and well-being,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “Each one of these panel members has one distinct thing in common – they care deeply about their community. I’m grateful they’re willing to give their time and leadership to help build a path forward.”

Convened by the Mayor, the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan’s Community Leaders Panel members include:

• Brianna Bear, Speaker and Artist, Songhees Nation
• Daniel Atkinson, Chief, Victoria Fire Department
• Del Manak, Chief, Victoria Police Department
• Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division
• Julian Daly, CEO, Our Place Society
• Marianne Alto, Mayor, City of Victoria
• Mike Benusic, Medical Health Officer, Island Health
• Robert Jawl, Managing Director, Jawl Properties Ltd.
• Sandra Severs, President, Victoria Downtown Residents Association and Chair, Victoria Community Association Network
• Suzanne Bradbury, Co-Owner/CEO, Fort Properties

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, and we share people’s frustration with the uptick in repeat violent offending,” said Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “All levels of government need to work together to address this complex issue, and we strongly support the City of Victoria’s development of a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.”

The city’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan will include immediate interventions to reduce crime and public disorder, while creating longer-term solutions. The plan will be developed over 15 months, starting this summer, with the draft plan delivered to council by October 2024. Updates and progress reports, as well as potential interim actions arising from the work, will be delivered to council regularly throughout the project.

“VicPD is on the front line of community safety in Victoria and it’s clear that, despite everyone’s best efforts, the current system is not providing the level of safety and quality of life we want for our citizens, especially those on our streets and in our parks. The best path forward involves greater collaboration, from all sectors, with a long-term focus on innovative problem-solving, and investment in programs with proven effectiveness in building safety and preventing crime. We are excited to work with everyone on this initiative to create a safer community together,” said Del Manak, Chief, Victoria Police Department.