B.C. mayors demand five actions from province on crime and public safety

B.C. mayors are preparing to press the provincial government for concrete action on public safety. The Union of B.C. Municipalities convention opened Monday at Vancouver Convention Centre, with a news conference scheduled for September 17 where mayors will formally request "five actions" from the province to "improve community safety, public confidence and quality of life."

The push is being led by the Save Our Streets coalition, co-founded by Clint Mahlman, retired CEO of London Drugs. "There has been some perceived improvements, they're very minor statistically and probably not even correct," Mahlman told Business in Vancouver. "Government just isn't doing enough."

The coalition released polling results Monday from Research Co. surveying 1,207 B.C. residents between September 2 and 5. The numbers paint a picture of widespread unease: 53 per cent of respondents said there are areas in their community they actively avoid for fear of their own safety; 48 per cent said they fear for the safety of their families in their community; 88 per cent believe crimes go unreported; and 66 per cent cite lack of confidence in the judicial system as a reason crimes are not reported.

Respondent concern about addiction and mental illness as drivers of crime is high. Eighty-one per cent believe retail crime makes products they buy more expensive.

Research Co. president Mario Canseco highlighted a geographical shift in public concern. "Going back to when I started asking about crime and public safety, usually northern B.C., southern B.C., [Vancouver] island were very low on this indicator," Canseco said. "One of the major changes over the past few years is the fact that you have areas in many municipalities that are similar to what the Downtown Eastside used to be 10 to 12 years ago."

Mahlman acknowledged the province's appointment of Dr. Daniel Vigo as B.C.'s first chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders, calling it a step forward. But he stressed that more is needed. "There is a fundamental covenant between governments and its people to protect citizens from harm," Mahlman said. "That covenant extends to helping prevent further harm to people living with mental illness and brain disorders."

The Save Our Streets coalition released a similar survey in 2024 showing residents' and business operators' concerns about crime and street disorder. The specifics of the five actions the mayors will request on Wednesday have not been detailed in available material.