Strengthening Public Safety Infrastructure — Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities, February 25, 2026

Motion 2 Carried

Summary

Proposed by Councillor Montague to draw $4 million from the city's stability reserve: approximately $2.8 million for VPD's new District 5 (focused downtown eastside policing unit) and $1.2 million for a temporary VPD recruit training academy in the vacant London Drugs space at Woodward's.
Supporters argued District 5 builds on the success of Task Force Barrage, and a city-run training academy would reduce reliance on the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC), cut overtime costs, and address over 300 VPD vacancies.
Opponents raised concerns: the JIBC publicly stated the motion contained incorrect information about its capacity (it recently expanded seats by 50%); no open competitive process was held for the Woodward's location; the request came outside the normal budget cycle; and the downtown eastside location raised community and business concerns about removing a retail anchor.
A referral motion by Councillor Fry (seeking reports from the police board, JIBC, province, city real estate, and legal counsel) was defeated.
Several speakers, including businesses and residents, expressed concern about the location while supporting improved policing capacity in principle.
The motion carried with Councillors Bly, Fry, Orr, and Maloney opposed.