Victoria Police Department Special Duty Officers and Reserve Constables will be managing road closures and public safety efforts, as large crowds are anticipated around the B.C. capital’s inner harbour for Canada Day events on July 1. 

This year’s event is smaller in design and features local performers, food trucks, cultural activities, and fireworks. People are encouraged to walk, cycle, or take public transit where possible. 

The 500 block of Belleville Street (between Menzies and Government Streets) will close to vehicle traffic around 6:00 a.m. for food truck setup. Festivities start at Ship Point at 11:00 a.m. The larger crowds are anticipated in the evening once programming at the Legislature stage is underway at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks will close the celebration at 10:20 p.m.  

VicPD is committed to ensuring a fun and safe event for all ages. Open alcohol use is prohibited in all public spaces. 

The department will be deploying CCTV cameras and two Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to support operations and public safety. Their use is in accordance with B.C. and national privacy legislation. Temporary signs for CCTV cameras will be posted in the event area to inform the public. The RPAS cameras do not record by default. Any data collected from them will be stored for 30 days or longer. 

No video recording will occur unless required for a criminal investigation or public disorder incident. If you have feedback regarding our temporary deployment, please email engagement@vicpd.ca. 

We thank people for their patience in advance, as our officers work to manage road closures depending on congestion and crowd size.