Vancouver has recorded its lowest violent crime rate in 23 years, with major declines in the Downtown Eastside during the course of Task Force Barrage. In response, Mayor Ken Sim welcomed the Vancouver Police Department’s plan to establish a new district to provide oversight and dedicated, permanent resources in the area:
“District 5 will build on the success of Task Force Barrage,” said Mayor Sim. “By moving toward a dedicated district with sustained and permanent resources for the Downtown Eastside and neighbouring communities, the VPD will be better positioned to keep organized crime off our streets and support a safer, healthier city.”
During Task Force Barrage, the Downtown Eastside saw significant improvements compared with the same period in 2024. According to the VPD, results include*:
- 18% decline in violent crime.
- 44% decline in robberies.
- 23% decline in serious assaults.
- 1,458 weapons seizures, including 171 firearms.
- 879 arrests of individuals with outstanding warrants.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services also reported measurable progress over a similar time period*:
- 28% reduction in all incidents in the Firehall 2 service area.
- 30% reduction in structure fires in the Firehall 2 service area.
- 28% reduction in all medical responses in the service areas of Firehalls 1, 2, and 8.
- 36% decline in overdoses in the service areas of Firehalls 1, 2, and 8.
*VPD reporting period runs from February 13 to August 12, 2025, VFRS reporting period runs from February 13 to August 31, 2025.
“This is what happens when you fully fund frontline services and direct resources to the areas that need them most,” continued Sim. “It’s critically important that we build on the gains we’ve made to date.”
To sustain this progress, Mayor Sim announced a new motion coming to Council on October 8th to launch a new program called VanStat, an adapted version of the CompStat (computer statistics) reporting program used by police departments across North America.
“VanStat will allow for monthly performance review meetings which incorporate data from the City’s police, fire, sanitation, housing, arts and culture, and business services departments, said Mayor Sim. “This program will deliver better transparency for the public and more accountability for City departments.”
If approved by Council, VanStat will begin as a pilot program in four neighbourhoods; the West End, Downtown core, Strathcona, and Mount Pleasant. The long-term goal is to expand VanStat across the entire city while encouraging provincial partners such as the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Health, and Vancouver Coastal Health to join the program.
“VanStat is about using data and collaboration to improve our city,” said Vancouver City Councillor Lenny Zhou, who will be introducing the motion. “It is about breaking down silos, holding every department accountable, and making sure the public can clearly see the progress we are making together.”
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
