A volunteer VicPD Reserve Constable and a Saanich Police Department PSU officer at a local access point at Humboldt and Wharf streets
Two PSU officers, one with VicPD and one with Saanich PD, at an access point at Douglas and Belleville streets
Oak Bay Police officer at Douglas at Superior streets
Central Saanich and Saanich Police Department vehicles in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Before the establishment of the local vehicle access points, eight weeks of continuous disruptions involving vehicles, “slow-roll” blockades and the use of horns, including modified air, train and ship horns, have had a significant and unlawful impact on residents and businesses in James Bay and the B.C. Legislature area. Additionally, related protest events in other cities saw escalations, including confrontations between protest groups and confrontations with police. As a result VicPD was required to increase our response to ensure we are able to keep people safe and able to continue to facilitate a safe, peaceful and lawful protest environment.Safe, peaceful and lawful protest are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Occupation is not. Dangerous and/or unlawful activity will continue to be met with de-escalation and enforcement.Controlled access and local traffic only areas will remain in effect as long as required to ensure public safety and to facilitate an environment for safe, peaceful and lawful protest.In addition, our temporary, monitored CCTV cameras remain in the area of the B.C. Legislature. These cameras are deployed in keeping with B.C. and Federal privacy legislation. The cameras will be taken down once the protest events have concluded.We will continue to provide up to date traffic and protest response information. Please follow our VicPDCanada Twitter account for the most recent details.If you have concerns about these road closures or our CCTV camera deployment please email [email protected].-30-
