Victoria Police say officers’ presence at the convoy protests resulted in $385,947.25 of overtime costs for the nine weeks of protest at the B.C. Legislature.
Between January and April 2022, a group attended the legislature to protest the COVID-19 restrictions.
According to VicPD, since the protests happened at the legislature, the overtime costs will be covered by the provincial government, but regular duty time is not covered and will come out of VicPD’s regular budget.
Police say over 50 tickets were issued under the Motor Vehicle Act, as well as dozens of Notice and Order and four City of Victoria “honking” bylaw citations.
There were three arrests associated with the protests.
“Our continued thanks to James Bay area residents who have born the brunt of the disruptions, including significant traffic disruptions and the unlawful use of vehicle horns, including modified air, ship and train horns mounted to vehicles,” Chief Del Manak said.
“Officers continue to respond to dangerous or unlawful acts during protests with de-escalation and enforcement.”
READ MORE: ‘The cost is significant’: Police checkpoints will remain as needed, as convoy is a no-show again
Laura Brougham
