Task Forces > Downtown Late Night Task Force

Downtown Late Night Task Force

Over the years there has been much discussion about the increase in downtown late night public disorder. As downtown business and residential populations have grown, these issues have become more acute.

Lack of late night transportation, public urination, street crowding after bars close, fighting, vandalism, street noise, and community nuisance caused by over/excessive drinking pose has been addressed. While many issues have been identified and potential solutions canvassed, they have been done in absence of a larger strategy to ensure efforts work together in finding a healthy and vibrant balance for our downtown.

The Task Force has focussed on Downtown Late Night issues with the goal of creating a comprehensive and cohesive strategy to ensure the City of Victoria maintains a vibrant downtown core that balances the needs of local businesses, residents, visitors, and late night entertainment users.

Task Force Working Group

The Task force took a sharp and focussed approach. It was comprised of:

• Mayor Dean Fortin
• Councillor and Downtown liaison, Charlayne Thornton-Joe
• Chief of Police, Jamie Graham

The working group sought input and ideas from key stakeholders from the downtown community and by those directly impacted by increased late night disorder.

Timelines

The task force met each week with targeted stakeholders and has now recommended a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to manage growing concerns. Recommendations of the task force were released Monday, November 16 and are being brought to Victoria City Council, Thursday, November 19 for review.

Report Findings

The Downtown Late Night Task Force consisted of Mayor Dean Fortin, Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, and Chief Constable Jamie Graham, of the Victoria Police Department.

Since being constituted in May, 2009, the Task Force met with stakeholders and users of downtown, reviewed concerns and examined other cities' approaches to problems of public disorder, safety and security in a downtown setting.

The following are the findings presented on November 16, 2009:

• Late Night... Great Night! Putting the Pieces Together - [PDF 771KB]
• Media Release: November 16, 2009 - [PDF 59KB]

Downtown Late Night Taxi Stands

The City of Victoria is partnering with local taxi companies and the Victoria Police Department to introduce three late night taxi stands from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until May 29. These taxi stands are designed to help people find easier access to a safe ride home at the end of the night.

You can find these taxi stands at:

• Douglas Street bus stop between Fort and Broughton Streets
• Douglas Street bus stop between Yates and Johnson Streets
• Yates Street bus stop between Douglas and Broad Streets

This leaflet includes a map of the taxi stand locations:

• Late Night Taxi Stand Leaflet - [PDF 431KB]

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