Jan 17 - VicPD use-of-force numbers released

Good morning !

Our two main stories today are on policing and pivoting. VicPD has released data that show when and against whom it uses force. The numbers haven’t changed much and are incongruous when it comes to Indigenous people.

Over in North Park, residents are looking at a different way to try to convince the city they really don’t want an outreach centre that’s going up in their neighbourhood.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

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NEWS

Data on VicPD’s use of force show overrepresentation of Indigenous people

An order from BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner has prompted VicPD and other departments in the province to release use-of-force data, including data on race. The commissioner’s office eventually plans to release a provincewide data report on the use of force but is still processing the numbers.

VicPD’s data from 2018-2023 show that 17% of use-of-force incidents involved Indigenous people, despite only representing 5% of Victoria’s population. Data also indicate a slight overrepresentation of force used on Black people, making up 3% of incidents despite representing 1.3% of the capital’s population. 

The majority of the 1,685 use-of-force occurrences—74%—involved white people. More than 85% of Victoria’s population is white.

Use of force against youth comprised 3% of incidents, with 56 incidents over six years. Of those incidents, 25% involved non-white youth.

Fewer calls for police help, but the use of force remains consistent

The number of calls for police assistance has dropped steadily over the years—by 2023, nearly 10K fewer yearly calls were made, compared with the number of calls in 2018. Despite this, the number of use-of-force incidents has remained steady—271 incidents occurred in 2018, while 216 occurred in 2023. The highest number of incidents of force used was in 2019, with 315.

VicPD said it revised its policy on using force in 2022 to better align with provincial standards, saying it was over-reporting force incidents compared with other police agencies. Its 2023, use-of-force data “more accurately reflects” reportable incidents.

VicPD said in a release that the data doesn’t include whether the force was officer-initiated or subject-initiated. It also does not include the levels of force used. 

Read the full story here.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

City of Victoria reminds people not to feed wild animals, including ducks and peacocks in Beacon Hill Park.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

North Park neighbourhood association pivots in its criticism of outreach supportive space

The North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA) has shifted its opposition strategy to the SOLID Outreach Society’s Access Hub project in Victoria. 

Originally focused on halting the facility altogether, the NPNA is now lodging complaints with the city over alleged zoning violations. The controversy centres around a newly built structure at the site, which the NPNA claims violates municipal construction rules. Spokesperson Gary Streight—who is also an architect—says the accessory building, which provides shelter to the courtyard area, was not included in the original zoning application and sits partially on public property. He is calling for its removal. 

The Dowler Pl. facility which hasn’t fully opened, was created to help individuals experiencing addiction, mental-health issues, and homelessness find housing and treatment services. The city provided the initiative with a one-time grant of $300K and funding of up to $1.8 million. The Hub offers services including health care, detox support, housing assistance, and short-term shelter. Despite these services being broadly acknowledged as necessary, the project has sparked resistance in the neighbourhood, with concerns about safety and an initial lack of public consultation.
This fenced-in issue is just the latest.

Read Sidney Coles’ full story here.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🏒 WHL Junior Hockey: Victoria Royals host Kamloops Blazers tonight. [Tickets]

🤰🏽 Join Dr. Whitehead on Jan. 22, 7pm–8:30pm, for a virtual event on infertility, treatments, lifestyle tips, and BC’s new IVF funding. Register now.*

💼 James Bay Neighbourhood Association seeks new board members.

🦆 Duck for dinner: A river otter catches a duck and brings it to shore to feast upon at Goosespit, Comox. [Facebook photos]

✨ Over $721,000 is supporting 17 collaborative projects aimed at addressing complex challenges in Greater Victoria. Click to learn more about how our region is working together!*

🌉 The old Blue Bridge: See footage of the bridge—which connected Vic West and downtown Victoria from 1924-2018, and was designed by the same firm as the Golden Gate Bridge—as it was raised for marine traffic in 2016. [Facebook video]

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🗞️ In Other News

Fire at Turner Building may have been human-caused
While there’s no clear cause for the Wed. fire near the Royal Jubilee, the landmark building appears to have had people coming in and out despite being boarded up and abandoned for 20+ years. With no electricity in the building, Victoria’s fire chief believes the fire was started by people sheltering from the rain. It took 18 firefighters using six firetrucks to put out the blaze. [Times Colonist]

Former View Royal mayor David Screech to run as federal Liberal 
Screech has been acclaimed as the Grits’ candidate in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. The riding has been an NDP stronghold with outgoing MP Randall Garrison representing there since 2011. In 2023, Garrison announced he wouldn’t run in the next election, and last month he cited health concerns in announcing his retirement. Screech served four terms as a View Royal councillor and two as mayor. The next federal election is scheduled for Oct. 20. [Liberal Party of Canada]

PGA TOUR Americas golf returns to Victoria this summer
The Victoria Open will take place at the Uplands Golf Club in Oak Bay from Sept. 15 to 21 and will be the second-last stop for young, up-and-coming golfers on the 16-stop 2025 tour. Canadian golfers Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor are among those expected to take part. The Times Colonist returns as the title sponsor, while former Victoria HarbourCats and Pacific FC executive Brad Norris-Jones takes over from the outgoing Keith Dagg as tournament director. [CHEK]

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SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FOUNDATION

Over $721,000 granted to collaboratives in Victoria!

A record amount of funding is being distributed through the Collaboration Stream of the Victoria Foundation’'s Community Grants Program, with $721,318 supporting 17 non-profit and charitable collaborations in the capital region.

This funding will help meet the growing need for resources in the philanthropic sector and will help organizations work together to address complex challenges facing the region.

🗓️ Things to do

♻️ James Bay Recycling Depot: James Bay Neighbourhood Association runs a once-a-month recycling event. Christmas lights accepted this time. Tomorrow. James Bay School, Simcoe & Oswego. 10am-12pm. [Info]

🤣 Whose Live Anyway?: See improv legends from Whose Line Is It Anyway?—including two original cast members. Royal Theatre. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

😂 Jeremy Hotz: Tres Miserables. The Canadian comic and his dog Shack make a pitstop on their journey across North America as they celebrate the milestone of Hotz’s 10th national tour. McPherson Playhouse. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info] 

😄 Improv Comedy: OK Dope. The very funny Alex Foreman hosts a night of guffaws. The Mint. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

🎭 Little Fernwood Fundraiser Weekend: A weekend of events to raise $10K for new floors and other renovations. Variety Show. Silent auction opens. Tonight-Sun. 1923 Fernwood. [Info]

🎩 Manic Focus: With DJ MT. Doyle and BB Stepz. The Denver-based multi-genre artist performs magic and music. Capital Ballroom. Tonight. 9:30pm. [Info]

🎶 Robert Burns Memorial Concert: A week before Robbie Burns Day, enjoy an afternoon of his music and prose, along with dancing, and other Scottish cultural entertainment. Tea and shortbread will follow the concert. Sun. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. 2:30pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Thursday’s headlines: Salmon numbers—and conservation risk—both up; VicPD looking for 3-wheel pickup video; Dowler Place structure sparks questions. [Jan. 16]

Detour set for Willow Bridge deck replacement on Lochside Trail. [Times Colonist]

Bail denied to suspect in Colwood shooting, arson. [CHEK]

Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee seeking new members. [BC Transit]  

Former UFC star Georges St. Pierre coming to Island FanCon.

Olive Fertility Centre has opened a new clinic in Victoria. Click here to read Dr. Riki Dayan's five tips for making 2025 a fertile year.*

Bird-like mushrooms: Turkey tail and bird nest mushrooms seen in Parksville. [Facebook photos]

*Sponsored Listing

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