Victoria, B.C (Richa Walia): As mayors and councillors from across British Columbia gather in Victoria for the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention, the issue dominating conversations is not housing or infrastructure—but downtown disorder and rising concerns over public safety.
From northern towns to coastal cities, municipal leaders say they’re grappling with the fallout of increasingly visible and complex social issues on their streets. The concerns range from drug use and mental health crises to repeat criminal activity and deteriorating public confidence in safety.
In Smithers, the town has taken the unusual step of hiring private security to patrol its downtown core. In Williams Lake, the situation has grown so tense that the city came close to declaring a state of local emergency. Meanwhile, in Nanaimo, city officials have floated the idea of constructing an iron fence to physically separate city hall from groups of individuals frequently gathered nearby—an idea critics say reflects the growing tension between public institutions and vulnerable populations.
“We have a real problem here,” said Prince George Mayor Simon Yu ahead of the convention’s opening on Monday. “What we need is bail reform, a proper triage system to help those who are falling through the cracks, and most importantly, collaboration to address the root causes of these issues.”
Yu and fellow mayors are expected to press for policy changes and increased support from provincial and federal governments during the convention. Their goal: urgent reforms to the justice system, improved access to mental health care, and more effective social services on the ground.
In Prince George, frustrations boiled over recently after a suspected arson destroyed CrossRoads Brewing, a popular downtown business just a stone’s throw from city hall. Owners Daryl Leiski and Cindy Zurowski said they won’t rebuild unless conditions in the area improve dramatically.
“We feel under siege,” they wrote in a letter to city council. “We cannot continue to put our employees, our families, our community and our businesses at risk. We need urgent and decisive action. Give us back our streets. Without a sense of safety, we cannot survive—let alone rebuild.”
Mayor Yu acknowledged the emotional and economic toll such incidents have on the community. While some statistics may suggest safety is improving in the city core, he emphasized that perception matters just as much as data.
“One serious event can erase years of progress,” Yu said. “We have to rebuild trust in public spaces—and that takes more than numbers. It takes visible change.”
This year’s UBCM convention, which runs all week in Victoria, is expected to serve as a critical forum for municipalities seeking tangible support and legislative action. As downtowns across B.C. struggle with the visible impacts of homelessness, addiction, and repeat crime, local leaders say time is running out for half-measures.
“There’s no silver bullet,” said Yu. “But we can’t afford inaction. Our communities need help—and they need it now.”
