Victoria police unveil ‘security plan’ to dismantle downtown encampment – BC
Victoria Police have unveiled a three-phase “security plan” aimed at dismantling a notorious encampment in the city centre.
The 900 block of Pandora Avenue has become the site of an entrenched homeless encampment and the scene of a number of recent gun seizures and violent incidents.
In July, after a paramedic was assaulted while trying to treat someone on the street, first responders implemented a policy of do not answer calls in the area without police escort.
Police are now rolling out a broader plan they believe is necessary to ensure the safety of first responders, service providers and vulnerable people housed in the area.
“Our goal is to maintain public safety by taking action to combat street crime and disorder, to find, target and prevent the entrenchment of criminals who prey on vulnerable people in these areas, and to work with and support community partners and service providers in ongoing efforts to create long-term housing solutions,” Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said.
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The first step in the plan is to step up specialist foot patrols in the area, an operation that police say has been underway for four weeks.
VicPD said since the patrols began, they have seized a variety of weapons including bear spray, batons, knives and an imitation firearm, and arrested several drug dealers.
The second phase of the plan, which will be rolled out over a two- to three-week period, involves police working with bylaw officers and public works staff to remove “problematic structures,” including permanent structures, those blocking the sidewalk and abandoned tents.
Police said the success of the second phase will depend on the city’s assistance and BC Housing’s ability to provide housing options for people currently living on the streets.
The third stage of the plan, which has no timetable, involves the complete dismantling of the camp.
Victoria Police said police will only provide assistance at this stage, which will need to be led by government authorities and include temporary or permanent housing options for all those sheltered on Pandora Avenue and Ellice Street. Success will depend on the City of Victoria, BC Housing and Island Health, police said.
Police estimated the plan would cost about $79,550 in police resources, covering special duty overtime for up to nine weeks.
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