2026 Community Safety Forum
Downtown Van is pleased to be hosting our annual Community Safety Forum this October at the Vancouver Convention Centre – East Building.
About this event
This event will feature a series of presentations and a moderated panel discussion, bringing together industry experts to share insights and perspectives on retail crime and community safety.
Attendees will also enjoy passed canapés and refreshments while connecting with fellow members and community partners.
Details
- When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 3:00-6:00 PM
- Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – East Building Meeting Room 1 (1055 Canada Pl)
Thank you to the sponsors of Downtown Van’s 2026 Community Safety Forum.
Schedule
- 3:00 – 3:30 PM: Registration & Networking
- 3:30 – 4:15 PM: Event program and presentations
- 4:14 – 5:00 PM: Moderated Q&A
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Networking
Reminders
- Registration will be limited to two guests (2) per organization.
- The Q&A will be conducted “panel-style,” with all speakers available to answer.
- We kindly ask that you keep your questions quick and on-topic to allow for all questions to be answered in a timely manner.
- A friendly reminder that this forum is for educational purposes. Please be respectful of the speakers and their efforts to share their experiences and insights.
Meet the Speakers
-
Deputy Chief Alison Laurin has been a member of the Vancouver Police Department since 2005. She went on to serve as a detective in the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit and Homicide Unit, and as an affiant on Project Reality, a major homicide and conspiracy investigation targeting organized crime. Promoted to sergeant in 2016, she held roles in Professional Standards and the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit, where she led successful projects targeting sexual offenders and served on committees focused on the safety of women and children. In 2020, she was promoted to staff sergeant and joined the Beat Enforcement Team and Marine Unit. She led Project Bankroll, a multi-jurisdictional fentanyl trafficking investigation that resulted in 15 criminal charges and the seizure of $4.7 million in illicit drugs, firearms and $584,000 in assets. As an inspector, she oversaw Court and Detention Services and later commanded District 2, leading more than 200 frontline officers and implementing new digital evidence management systems. Promoted to superintendent in 2021, she was seconded to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia. In 2025, she was promoted to Deputy Chief, overseeing the VPD’s Operations Division.
-
Victor Vilas brings more than 20 years of experience in Loss Prevention, including his role as a Regional Loss Prevention Manager with Best Buy. He is the founder of the Security Intelligence Network, where he facilitated collaboration between retailers and law enforcement through regular meetings and information sharing. Victor also serves on the board of Vancouver Operation Cooperation and is currently Vice President of the Organized Retail Crime Association, helping strengthen partnerships between retailers and law enforcement to address organized retail crime.
-
With over 35 years of leadership spanning private enterprise, crown corporations, and the non-profit sector, Karen brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community safety to every initiative. As Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, she is focused on uniting diverse regional voices to champion collective safety, transparent communication, and proactive engagement. Recognized for civic impact, recipient of the Order of St. John, Canadian Citizen of the Year, and the 2019 BCLTA Super Trustee of the Year Award.
-
Galib Bhayani is a respected public safety leader and accomplished academic with over 30 years of policing experience and 14 years as a university educator. Having served as Chief Superintendent of RCMP Metro Vancouver, where he led 2400 police personnel across 13 detachments, prioritizing emergency planning and risk mitigation for 1.8 million residents. As Chief of Police for the City and District of North Vancouver, he led strategic initiatives and financial planning, promoting a unified vision. With global recognition, he held the role of UN Regional Security Chief in Sudan and spearheaded policing efforts in Baghdad, Iraq. Honoured with the Member Order of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal, he currently serves as the Chief Safety and Risk Officer at Simon Fraser University since 2023.
