A look into the 2025 Community Safety Forum
Earlier this month, we came together for an important evening of conversation, collaboration, and action at our annual Community Safety Forum. Held at the iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the event brought together members, city leaders, and partners to explore pressing safety issues affecting the downtown core. For the first time, the forum took place in the evening, creating a welcoming atmosphere with passed canapés and refreshing drinks served during the networking sessions.
The event began with opening remarks from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who urged community members to advocate for greater investment in safety from provincial and federal governments. He shared an optimistic vision of what’s possible when government and communities work hand in hand, setting the tone for the evening.
We were honoured to feature presentations from an impressive roster of speakers:
- Adam Dalrymple, B.C. Crown Counsel Association
- Senior Deputy Chow, Vancouver Police Department
- Galib Bhayani, Simon Fraser University
Adam delivered a presentation that broke down the complexities of sentencing under Section 718 of the Criminal Code, emphasizing that sentencing aims not just to punish, but to rehabilitate and protect communities. He highlighted how critical influences such as mental health, addiction, and systemic issues can influence sentencing decisions.
Senior Deputy Chow presented current data from the Vancouver Police Department, noting a 9.8% decrease in violent crime and a 1.8% drop in property crime, while service calls increased by 3.2%. He spotlighted the success of Task Force Barrage in addressing crime in the Downtown Eastside and discussed the department’s ongoing focus on tackling retail crime to boost overall safety in the city.
Galib Bhayani took a more holistic approach, sharing a compassionate and systematic perspective on community safety. Opening with a personal story about a student impacted by robbery, he emphasized the impact of crime on individuals. He also called for a more coordinated approach across government sectors, introducing what he described as a “Ministry of Alignment,” an idea aimed at breaking down silos and fostering more integrated, effective interventions.
These experts brought forward diverse perspectives and real-world experience to the discussion, highlighting both the challenges and the progress being made in community safety. Following their presentations, our speakers joined a panel discussion moderated by Global News’ Sonia Sunger. This engaging session allowed attendees to ask questions directly, diving deeper into the issues and sparking meaningful conversation.
We were also grateful to hear from The Honourable Niki Sharma and The Honourable Terry Yung, who added valuable insights to the evening, both emphasizing the importance of collaboration between all levels of government and the need for comprehensive solutions to public safety issues.
One of the highlights of the evening was launching our new Business Security Camera Fund. This grant was established to provide businesses the opportunity to install, replace or upgrade their security camera systems with successful applicants receiving up to $2,000 in funding.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, Cadillac Fairview and Destination Vancouver, for supporting this important event.
And to our members who attended, thank you for your presence, your thoughtful questions, and your ongoing commitment to making downtown Vancouver a thriving, safe, and inclusive place for everyone.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations and hosting more events dedicated to bettering our downtown community.
