Council voted overwhelmingly in favour Thursday of endorsing a ­community safety and well-being plan, which has been in the works since 2023.

New motion will ask province to reexamine its policy on responding to the overdose crisis.

Following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver, concerns have emerged about the potential resurgence of street disorder and open drug use on Granville Street. The Granville Pedestrian Zone, extended to Labour Day, has seen temporary patios and public spaces remain, but residents and officials worry about the return of chaotic conditions. Raymond Jarvis, a resident of Granville Villa, noted that during the World Cup, police encouraged drug users to stay out of sight, creating a 'controlled chaos' within the SRO. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim emphasized the need for increased police presence and sanitation efforts, while criticizing the provincial government's role in addressing long-term issues. The BC government's plan to close Granville Villa and other SROs has faced delays, with Housing Minister Christine Boyle unavailable for comment. Additionally, the return of derelict boats to False Creek has raised safety concerns, prompting calls for permanent no-anchoring restrictions. The article highlights the challenges of maintaining public order and addressing mental health and substance use issues in the post-World Cup landscape.

Increase of 12 officers over a decade not enough, says VicPD chief

Increased police patrols are starting to have an impact on disorder downtown, including open drug use, says the head of the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

This year’s UBCM convention is striking for the level of anxiety over homelessness, street disorder, persistent offenders, drug addiction and mental-health problems.

A coalition dedicated to street safety for all of BC is holding a forum this coming week. Called the Communities Driving Change forum, it aims to bring an evidence-based approach […]