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Province should help cover costs for special-event policing, says Victoria mayor

City's Occupy Victoria bill climbs to $235,000, police board told

The B.C. government should foot some of the bill to police the provincial capital during certain events, says Victoria's mayor and chair of the Victoria Police Board.

Dean Fortin pointed to the $235,000 that the city of Victoria forked over on behalf of the region to police and pay for other costs incurred with the Occupy Victoria protest that began in Centennial Square in October.

"We joke that every protest starts at Centennial Square and heads on down to the legislature," Fortin said during a meeting with police board members and Victoria and Esquimalt councillors. “Where can I send the bill for $235,000 for the Occupy Victoria?

"Right now the only place I can send it is to the citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt."

Tough financial negotiations happen on a regular basis between Victoria's city manager, B.C.'s solicitor general, other provincial departments and VicPD "to see what we can reap in terms of benefit," said Victoria police Chief Const. Jamie Graham, noting times are tough financially for everyone.

To date, the province hasn't chipped in any extra funding.

 

Occupy Victoria costs:

• $6,116 - Repairs and Materials

• $104,106 - Police

• $131,160 - additional City labour costs (including legal, bylaw, facilities etc)

Total: $241,382