The Victoria Police Department says they are ready to move forward with the final phase of the Pandora Avenue And Ellice Street Safety Plan, a collaborative plan which aims to remove homeless camps throughout Victoria and help those living on the streets to find the supports and housing they need.
The plan followed an incident on July 11 where a paramedic was assault in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue which spurred enhanced safety measures for first responders in the area, including a requirement for police officers to escort other first responders while they work on Pandora Avenue.
Jamie McRae, Deputy Chief of Operations for VicPD, told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the first two phases plan has so far been a success. The first phases of the plan rely heavily on the police to seize weapons, arrest criminals, and remove problematic structures such as abandoned tents.
"I can say with certainty that we have improved safety in the Pandora and Ellice Street areas," said McRae. "We're accomplishing our goals by reducing entrenchment in those areas and creating a safer environment for those living, working, and sheltering in the area."
Since July 19, police say they have made 50 arrests, seized 330 grams of fentanyl, 191 grams of crack cocaine, 73 grams of powder cocaine, 87 grams of crystal meth, seven grams of marijuana, over $13,500 in Canadian currency in relation to drug trafficking investigations, five suspected stolen bicycles, 17 knives, four cans of bear spray, two BB guns, an airsoft rifle and a rifle scope.
Police have also been rebuilding positive relationships with those experiencing homelessness; relationships were slightly deteriorating prior to the incident.
"I am happy to say the vast majority of the people that are in these communities are people who our officers know on a first name basis, and those who are living there know our officers on a first name basis and communicate very positively on a daily basis," he said.
The third and final stage mostly depends on the City of Victoria, BC Housing, Island Health and other local service providers to provide housing alternatives and enhanced health care for those living on Pandora and Ellice, and to remove tents and camps from the streets.
Grant McKenzie, director of communications for Our Place Society which operates on Pandora Avenue and provides shelter spaces, meals and other supports for those experiencing homelessness, said the organization is ready for the last phase of the plan, and they've recently opened new shelter space on Pandora Avenue and they have a plan for an additional 20 spaces in the future.
"We don't believe anyone should be in a tent on the sidewalk or in a park, we believe everyone should be housed so that they're getting those supports that can get them to those next stages, so I think this is about bringing hope and safety to the streets of Victoria," said McKenzie. "This is something that we have been calling for for years, and [the plan] is something we fully embrace."
