After 126 weeks and 10,000 hours of support, Victoria Police in British Columbia, Canada, asked pro-Palestine demonstrators to “peacefully conclude” the marching portion of their weekly demonstrations due to the “unsustainable strain” on officers.
It asked organizers and participants to remain on the legislature lawn instead, “where the environment is safer and more controlled.”
Over the last two and a half years, the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) has dedicated more than 10,000 hours of officer time to managing these protests.
It stated that the transition is necessary to safeguard the well-being of the workforce and ensure the department can continue meeting public safety needs across all its communities.
“We recognize the passion and commitment of those participating in these marches,” said VicPD Chief Constable Fiona Wilson.
“This decision is not a judgment on the merits of their cause but a necessary step to ensure sustainable policing and protect the long-term health of our officers.”
VicPD said it has informed key community partners, including representatives from the City of Victoria, the Muslim and Jewish community leadership, and demonstration organizers.
Effective from April 4, 2026, VicPD will no longer provide traffic control or related police resources for the street portion of the demonstration.
Inspector Conor King, who is in charge of the department’s operational-planning section, said policing the marches has cost $1.2 million in taxpayer money.
Israel and Jewish Affairs Center welcomes end to pro-Palestine protests
Nico Slobinsky, VP at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said, “For the past two years, Victorians have seen their lives disrupted by weekly aggressive anti-Israel protests.”
“Today’s announcement was welcome, yet more must be done to ensure all can enjoy Downtown Victoria free from disruptive protest,” he said, citing Research Co polling that found 86% of British Columbians are worried by the behavior of protesters at the demonstrations.
Slobinsky urged VicPD to continue to work with the Jewish community to increase patrols and presence around places of worship and community spaces to ensure continued safety.