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Pandora Avenue And Ellice Street Safety Plan Update

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Date Published: 11 Sep 2024, Last Updated: 15 May 2025

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 File: 24-25625 Victoria, BC – In July, VicPD implemented enhanced safety measures in response to rising concerns in areas around the city. Now, over a month into the plan, we are providing an update on the progress and outlining the next steps. Background On July 11, 2024, VicPD officers responded to an attack on a paramedic in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue. The situation quickly escalated as a crowd swarmed police and first responders, resulting in a call for emergency back-up from all neighbouring police agencies. During an emergency meeting following the incident, it was determined that Victoria Fire and BC Emergency Health Services would no longer respond to calls for service in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue without police presence.  While this incident highlighted urgent concerns, it represented just one example of a broader trend affecting front-line officers. The rising entrenchment and densification of encampments, along with increased hostility, violence, and the presence of various weapons, have heightened public safety concerns. Additionally, there are growing worries about the victimization of vulnerable individuals within these areas. A routine police presence was no longer adequate to address these escalating issues. In August, VicPD announced the Victoria and Ellice Safety Plan. Developed in partnership with Victoria Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, the City of Victoria, and service providers in the area, this is a comprehensive approach to address these public safety issues and ensure a safer environment for the vulnerable population, service providers, and first responders. 

 

Officers Conducting Patrols in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue 

Project Highlights (July 19 to September 6) 

  • 50 arrests made, with a specific focus on targeting the criminal element within the block. 

  • 10 individuals arrested with warrants. 

  • 17 knives, four cans of bear spray, two BB guns, an airsoft rifle and a rifle scope seized, amongst other weapons. 

  • 330 grams of fentanyl, 191 grams of crack cocaine, 73 grams of powder cocaine, 87 grams of crystal meth, and seven grams of marijuana seized in relation to drug trafficking investigations. 

  • Over $13,500 in Canadian currency seized in relation to drug trafficking investigations. 

  • Five suspected stolen bicycles recovered. 

  • Currently projected to be under the estimated cost of $79,550. 

 

Weapons Seized During the First Day of the Safety Plan 

A week prior to the Safety Plan commencing, officers were conducting enhanced enforcement within the block and within 36 hours, they seized eight knives, a loaded handgun, two stun guns, two machetes, three cans of bear spray, a hatchet and a baton, all in relation to police files. 

Items Seized from One Incident 

Next Steps There has been a high level of cooperation and emphasis on rebuilding relationships with the street community since the plan began. Several weeks ago, Victoria Fire Department and BC Emergency Health Services advised that due to the improved conditions, they would no longer require police presence to respond to calls for service in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue and the 500-block of Ellice Street, unless there is a specific threat to safety. Service providers have also been publicly supportive of our efforts. “The project has so far been a success in that we are accomplishing our goals of reducing overall entrenchment in the areas, creating a safer environment for those sheltering in the area, for other first responders and for service providers, and building stronger relationships with those in the street community,” said Deputy Chief of Operations Jamie McRae. “There are larger issues outside of our scope that need to be addressed by our partners, but we will continue to do our part in improving safety in these areas of the City.” As part of Stage 2 of the Safety Plan, VicPD has been working directly with City of Victoria Bylaw and Public Works to remove problematic structures, including those more permanent in nature, abandoned tents, structures that only contain garbage or excrement, and structures that block safe passage or cause a safety concern. While these efforts have made a visible impact, the improvements are not consistent. Without more frequent enforcement, areas often quickly return to their previous state. Now, in week nine of the Safety Plan, preparations are underway to transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3. In the next stage, VicPD will support partner agencies and service providers with their complete removal of the encampments, with the goal of providing temporary or permanent housing to those living along Pandora Avenue and Ellice Street. VicPD will not be leading this effort but will provide advice during planning sessions and assist with the final removal of the encampments in these areas. “Our primary focus as police is to address public safety concerns,” continued Deputy Chief McRae. “Achieving meaningful, long-term changes the community is asking for requires a collaborative effort from all agencies involved, including every level of government and our service providers.” The success of the Stage 3 decampment process will depend on the City of Victoria, including Bylaw Services, working in close partnership with VicPD, and BC Housing and Island Health providing housing alternatives and enhanced health care. To see an overview of the Pandora Avenue and Ellice Street Safety Plan, visit: Safety Plan Announced For Pandora Avenue And Ellice Street  - VicPD.ca 

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