Over recent months, we’ve felt a turn of the tide when it comes to public attitudes toward safety issues in Victoria’s downtown. For many, our “rock bottom” point has been reached. That seems to be the impetus behind our municipal leadership’s new commitments and strategies. But we know that government cannot solve such an entrenched and intense issue on its own. Building a unified approach to public safety starts with rethinking the role of security in our communities.
For us, “security” doesn’t signify enforcement, rules, and authority. At least not in the first instance. In our city, especially downtown, what we really need is a blend of firm expectations and genuine compassion for those facing complex struggles. To be effective, a visible security presence must be a respectful one, too. Improvements need to come from broad collaboration, and voluntary compliance, not from top-down enforcement.
How We Got Here
Over the last year, Victoria’s safety concerns reached a boiling point. Vandalism, theft, assaults, and open-air drug markets have hurt local businesses. Convenience stores and other retailers have shuttered their doors because recurring issues reduced foot traffic, and because frequent incidents made so many people working in the area a part-time, de facto social worker. Worse yet, fires, evacuations, road closures, unsanitary conditions, and public disorder have plagued public streets, parks, libraries, and walkways. The impacts are felt far beyond downtown: retail strips, neighbourhood hubs, and green spaces all show signs of strain.
As a public safety partner headquartered in Victoria, our goal is simple: help make the city safer, friendlier, and more resilient. We want people to see us as a trusted ally—one who works alongside business owners, community groups, and civic leaders—not just as another service provider. We embrace the idea that public safety involves belonging, care, and connection just as much as it requires oversight, response, and enforcement.
A Promising New Day
The City of Victoria has recently committed $10.35 million to the Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan. Its immediate actions focus on downtown. The City’s plan recognizes that managing public safety means working upstream to prevent disorder as well as downstream to enforce laws when needed. Victoria is increasing the number of bylaw and police officers as well as enhancing public works and supporting infrastructure repair in key stretches of Pandora Avenue and Princess Street.
In practice, this means more boots on the ground. Bylaw officers will spend more time responding to issues like public sheltering, blocked sidewalks, and anti-social behaviour to restore and maintain clean, safe public spaces that everyone can enjoy. Our Security Officers are keen to assist in this work, and our protective technologies can extra (electronic) eyes on the street.
Regular patrols that are visible but respectful help people feel safer without feeling threatened. At the same time, enforcing bylaws and policies (such as those governing sheltering in parks) needs to be done in a way that preserves dignity.
To fulfill that mission, partnerships are essential. The City is working with local non-profits to increase shelter capacity, offer relocation services, provide daytime warming shelters, and coordinate health and social supports. By connecting people in need with housing, health, and social services, we reduce the burden on businesses and public areas while improving quality-of-life outcomes across the board.
Security Is Everyone’s Business
Public spaces matter. Maintaining streets and boulevards, sidewalks and storefronts, parks and playgrounds so that they’re clean, safe, and well lit plays a big role in how people experience our city. Victoria is investing in infrastructure repairs and adding resources to public works, so that we can respond quickly to damage, waste, or environmental degradation. Security companies like ours can play a role in these efforts. For us, safety is security. And a lack of safety equals a failure of security. A clean, safe street will be far less likely to be targeted by criminals than one that has already fallen into disrepair.
When emergencies arise—like fires, health crises, or violence—we work closely with first responders, bylaw, and city services for fast, coordinated responses. We also believe that it’s essential to support businesses directly with check-ins, patrols, strategic advice, and a convergence of human-powered and tech-driven solutions that help resolve concerns before they escalate.
Victoria is changing in many ways. We see increased diversity in our population and our economy, compared to years past. And major infrastructure projects are already underway or on the books. At the same time, residents are frustrated with street disorder that threatens public spaces and local businesses. Even so, there’s hope. And that hope’s being put in action. Government investment, together with community collaboration, offers a real pathway to improvement. Along with our civic leaders, Western Canada Security sees beyond rules and enforcement. We see the need to create trust and connection between people. That’s how we rebuild a city where everyone feels welcome and secure.
By treating public safety as a shared responsibility among citizens, businesses, non-profits, and government, we can see the return of a Victoria where neighbourhoods are vibrant. Where public spaces feel safe. And where people from all walks of life feel proud of where they live.