Stephen Harrison
@stephenharrison.bsky.social
Victoria, B.C. needsmorespikes.com
Pinned
This is a frustrating narrative advanced by some councillors. Under the current council's term, Victoria and Esquimalt axed $902,000 from VicPD's 2023 budget, a 45% success rate that year. Pretty good! The province found VicPD couldn't justify those costs. But it meant councillors had to try. #yyj
November 8, 2025 at 4:55 AM
This is a frustrating narrative advanced by some councillors. Under the current council's term, Victoria and Esquimalt axed $902,000 from VicPD's 2023 budget, a 45% success rate that year. Pretty good! The province found VicPD couldn't justify those costs. But it meant councillors had to try. #yyj
My sci-fi dreams of waking up to a world where all crosswalks are marked drifts further away.
Kim motivates about returning $64k to crosswalk budget. It represents approximately 1 or 2 crosswalks, and the program remains robust, so Kim seconds amendment from Alto to remove this from the budget.
[Man, I am not on my being informed game because I'm so keen to see no cuts.]
[Man, I am not on my being informed game because I'm so keen to see no cuts.]
November 8, 2025 at 1:56 AM
My sci-fi dreams of waking up to a world where all crosswalks are marked drifts further away.
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
The City of Victoria might slash grants and programs across the board to make up for one single line item that's roughly equivalent to everything being cut. Can anyone guess what that single budget item is, which apparently isn't even up for debate? One guess.
November 6, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The City of Victoria might slash grants and programs across the board to make up for one single line item that's roughly equivalent to everything being cut. Can anyone guess what that single budget item is, which apparently isn't even up for debate? One guess.
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
I don't believe that city councillors are increasing the police budget because the province would only do it anyway. Instead, I believe that city councillors are choosing to increase the police budget, and then saying the province would do it as a way to deflect responsibility and criticism.
November 6, 2025 at 11:33 PM
I don't believe that city councillors are increasing the police budget because the province would only do it anyway. Instead, I believe that city councillors are choosing to increase the police budget, and then saying the province would do it as a way to deflect responsibility and criticism.
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
I've seen it suggested that city council should approve the dramatic increase in the police budget because the province will step in and overrule them.
City council should deny the increase rather than complying in advance.
Make provincial politicians take responsibility if they want to.
City council should deny the increase rather than complying in advance.
Make provincial politicians take responsibility if they want to.
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 PM
I've seen it suggested that city council should approve the dramatic increase in the police budget because the province will step in and overrule them.
City council should deny the increase rather than complying in advance.
Make provincial politicians take responsibility if they want to.
City council should deny the increase rather than complying in advance.
Make provincial politicians take responsibility if they want to.
Journalists shouldn't be charged commercial rates to file FOI requests. It's wild some jurisdictions (VPD, Squamish) are trying to administer the law this way, creating another barrier to access public information. #cdnfoi
It's outrageous that news outlets would be treated as commercial FOI applicants when they are requesting documents on behalf of the public.
I hope @editorthuncher.bsky.social filed a complaint. I would love to see the @oipcbc.bsky.social take a stand on this.
www.squamishchief.com/opinion/squa...
I hope @editorthuncher.bsky.social filed a complaint. I would love to see the @oipcbc.bsky.social take a stand on this.
www.squamishchief.com/opinion/squa...
Squamish opinion: Challenging costly FOI process
When The Squamish Chief sought more answers about why the town’s ice rink shut down, they were met not with documents—but with a four-figure invoice.
www.squamishchief.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Journalists shouldn't be charged commercial rates to file FOI requests. It's wild some jurisdictions (VPD, Squamish) are trying to administer the law this way, creating another barrier to access public information. #cdnfoi
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
In #yyj police are also defunding our cities like a vampire consuming the budget of other city departments. We need some councillors with the courage to stand up and stop this cycle of ever-increasing police budgets.
Some breaking news: in a special Vancouver Police Board meeting only announced over the weekend, the police board has requested a $50 million increase to their budget for 2026.
This comes as other departments across the city are trying to cut staff to ensure a property tax freeze for next year.
This comes as other departments across the city are trying to cut staff to ensure a property tax freeze for next year.
November 4, 2025 at 12:37 AM
In #yyj police are also defunding our cities like a vampire consuming the budget of other city departments. We need some councillors with the courage to stand up and stop this cycle of ever-increasing police budgets.
Yesterday's Last Week Tonight speaking to my interest in dead former premiers.
November 4, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Yesterday's Last Week Tonight speaking to my interest in dead former premiers.
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
the police want $17,000,000 more for THIS YEAR'S budget
something shady is happening with this process
cc @isabellazavarise.bsky.social
@copevancouver.bsky.social @onecityvan.bsky.social
council.vancouver.ca/20251105/doc...
something shady is happening with this process
cc @isabellazavarise.bsky.social
@copevancouver.bsky.social @onecityvan.bsky.social
council.vancouver.ca/20251105/doc...
November 1, 2025 at 2:49 AM
the police want $17,000,000 more for THIS YEAR'S budget
something shady is happening with this process
cc @isabellazavarise.bsky.social
@copevancouver.bsky.social @onecityvan.bsky.social
council.vancouver.ca/20251105/doc...
something shady is happening with this process
cc @isabellazavarise.bsky.social
@copevancouver.bsky.social @onecityvan.bsky.social
council.vancouver.ca/20251105/doc...
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
"ohno Imperial Walkers!"
shit is bleak and if anyone could spare a few bucks to me out with basics, everything is super appreciated
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
here is a GIF
shit is bleak and if anyone could spare a few bucks to me out with basics, everything is super appreciated
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
here is a GIF
a pixel art of a monkey giving a fist bump
Alt: side eye meme monkey is scared of the approaching AT-ATs on ice planet Hoth
media.tenor.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:14 PM
"ohno Imperial Walkers!"
shit is bleak and if anyone could spare a few bucks to me out with basics, everything is super appreciated
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
here is a GIF
shit is bleak and if anyone could spare a few bucks to me out with basics, everything is super appreciated
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
here is a GIF
The #yyj police board chair is quoted here saying the event "maintained fiscal responsibility." They are living in a different world. $22,000 could have housed someone for a year! Instead of spending money on things that keep people safe, city councillors let police burn money every day.
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration for its outgoing and incoming police chiefs this summer, according to documents obtained through FOI by @stephenharrison.bsky.social
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Victoria police spent $22K on party for outgoing, incoming chiefs | CBC News
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration that honoured its outgoing and incoming police chiefs, according to a freedom of information request.
www.cbc.ca
October 30, 2025 at 11:48 PM
The #yyj police board chair is quoted here saying the event "maintained fiscal responsibility." They are living in a different world. $22,000 could have housed someone for a year! Instead of spending money on things that keep people safe, city councillors let police burn money every day.
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
Sad to see #yyj likely raise the police budget while we watch the US reveal the true function of police.
More police are not going to house the homeless, or make food affordable, or make housing affordable.
More police are going to be used to make all that worse, and hurt anyone who opposes it.
More police are not going to house the homeless, or make food affordable, or make housing affordable.
More police are going to be used to make all that worse, and hurt anyone who opposes it.
October 30, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Sad to see #yyj likely raise the police budget while we watch the US reveal the true function of police.
More police are not going to house the homeless, or make food affordable, or make housing affordable.
More police are going to be used to make all that worse, and hurt anyone who opposes it.
More police are not going to house the homeless, or make food affordable, or make housing affordable.
More police are going to be used to make all that worse, and hurt anyone who opposes it.
A VicPD FOI trend. They said they wouldn't release records for this via FOI, because they would post them within 60 days anyway. They can do that, but it's notable because: 1) it's a technique to discourage use of FOI by taking away scoops; 2) it allows for a delay, should they choose to use it...
VicPD held a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs this summer at Government House. They talked repeatedly about how much work it was, and the event seemed strange, so I FOI'd the costs. They spent $22,015 in public money on this event. 🧵 www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/vicpd-p... #yyj #cdnfoi
VicPD parties at Government House for $22,000 — Needs More Spikes
This summer, VicPD used its bottomless budget to throw a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs. Via FOI, we now know that event cost $22,015.
www.needsmorespikes.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A VicPD FOI trend. They said they wouldn't release records for this via FOI, because they would post them within 60 days anyway. They can do that, but it's notable because: 1) it's a technique to discourage use of FOI by taking away scoops; 2) it allows for a delay, should they choose to use it...
VicPD held a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs this summer at Government House. They talked repeatedly about how much work it was, and the event seemed strange, so I FOI'd the costs. They spent $22,015 in public money on this event. 🧵 www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/vicpd-p... #yyj #cdnfoi
VicPD parties at Government House for $22,000 — Needs More Spikes
This summer, VicPD used its bottomless budget to throw a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs. Via FOI, we now know that event cost $22,015.
www.needsmorespikes.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:43 AM
VicPD held a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs this summer at Government House. They talked repeatedly about how much work it was, and the event seemed strange, so I FOI'd the costs. They spent $22,015 in public money on this event. 🧵 www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/vicpd-p... #yyj #cdnfoi
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
What it means: The SCC affirmed that ODs are a medical event – not a policing opportunity. When police arrive at the scene, no one is to be arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drug possession. Read the decision here: decisions.scc-csc.ca/.../en/item/...
decisions.scc-csc.ca
October 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
What it means: The SCC affirmed that ODs are a medical event – not a policing opportunity. When police arrive at the scene, no one is to be arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drug possession. Read the decision here: decisions.scc-csc.ca/.../en/item/...
One of the things rattling around in my head after yesterday's police budget meeting is when the new police chief talked excitedly about how through continued harassment by one officer, VicPD permanently displaced people from a park. To where? www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpX9... #yyj
October 23, 2025 at 3:59 PM
One of the things rattling around in my head after yesterday's police budget meeting is when the new police chief talked excitedly about how through continued harassment by one officer, VicPD permanently displaced people from a park. To where? www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpX9... #yyj
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
VicPD announced they’re asking for a $90 million budget next year, up $11 million, or 14%, from 2025. Compared to just five years ago, that’s a $31 million, 52% increase. Outrageous! #DefundVicPD
What would you do for the community with an extra $11M?
defundvicpd.org/2026-draft-b...
What would you do for the community with an extra $11M?
defundvicpd.org/2026-draft-b...
2026 Draft Budget
VicPD announced they’re asking for a $90 million budget next year, up $11 million, or 14%, from 2025. Compared to just five years ago, that’s a $31 million, 52% increase. Jump to Template Letter Vi…
defundvicpd.org
October 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
VicPD announced they’re asking for a $90 million budget next year, up $11 million, or 14%, from 2025. Compared to just five years ago, that’s a $31 million, 52% increase. Outrageous! #DefundVicPD
What would you do for the community with an extra $11M?
defundvicpd.org/2026-draft-b...
What would you do for the community with an extra $11M?
defundvicpd.org/2026-draft-b...
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
reposting this for no reason in particular
shelters $200
transit $150
transition housing $100
vicpd $81.1 million
safe supply $150
someone who is good at local politics please help me budget this. victoria is dying
transit $150
transition housing $100
vicpd $81.1 million
safe supply $150
someone who is good at local politics please help me budget this. victoria is dying
October 23, 2025 at 4:17 AM
reposting this for no reason in particular
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
October 22, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
There’s a #yyj police board meeting at 5:00 pm. Will follow along. This is not the meeting to unveil their obscene, $91 million, 2026 budget ask. That’s tomorrow! This one is things like “whoops, we're over budget on OT.” vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... Stream: www.youtube.com/channel/UCKK... #vicpdboard 🧵
October 21, 2025 at 11:41 PM
There’s a #yyj police board meeting at 5:00 pm. Will follow along. This is not the meeting to unveil their obscene, $91 million, 2026 budget ask. That’s tomorrow! This one is things like “whoops, we're over budget on OT.” vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... Stream: www.youtube.com/channel/UCKK... #vicpdboard 🧵
Apparently the police board set itself a challenge of finding an even less welcoming venue for public meetings than VicPD HQ. They’re doing the work!
The Victoria Police Board will be having its budget meeting this Wednesday at…the Union Club which is an exclusive club for the wealthy. That makes sense, when it comes to city money received, VicPD is the wealthiest! #DefundVicPD #yyj
October 21, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Apparently the police board set itself a challenge of finding an even less welcoming venue for public meetings than VicPD HQ. They’re doing the work!
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
VicPD account for 23% or nearly one quarter of the City budget! If you can believe it that’s more than all of the following *combined*
🌲Parks
🚒Fire Dept
📚Libraries
💟Non-profit grants
📈Housing targets
💃Arts/culture and events
🏠Affordable housing grants
#DefundVicPD
🌲Parks
🚒Fire Dept
📚Libraries
💟Non-profit grants
📈Housing targets
💃Arts/culture and events
🏠Affordable housing grants
#DefundVicPD
October 16, 2025 at 12:58 AM
VicPD account for 23% or nearly one quarter of the City budget! If you can believe it that’s more than all of the following *combined*
🌲Parks
🚒Fire Dept
📚Libraries
💟Non-profit grants
📈Housing targets
💃Arts/culture and events
🏠Affordable housing grants
#DefundVicPD
🌲Parks
🚒Fire Dept
📚Libraries
💟Non-profit grants
📈Housing targets
💃Arts/culture and events
🏠Affordable housing grants
#DefundVicPD
"Such is the fear of the visible poor that taxpayers would rather toss hundreds of thousands of dollars at initiatives that remove the poor from sight by increasing vibrancy than on infrastructure that ensures everyone’s basic needs are met."
Regardless of statistics showing crime is dwindling, safety is a major concern for Calgarians—why?
In my latest essay, i explore this question, alongside the implications of letting our bourgeois fears guide our city’s policy agenda.
In my latest essay, i explore this question, alongside the implications of letting our bourgeois fears guide our city’s policy agenda.
Are you afraid of poverty?
Why responding to middle-class fears won’t make Calgary a more equitable city
iwouldprefernotto.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM
"Such is the fear of the visible poor that taxpayers would rather toss hundreds of thousands of dollars at initiatives that remove the poor from sight by increasing vibrancy than on infrastructure that ensures everyone’s basic needs are met."
Reposted by Stephen Harrison
anyway if anyone can help out with a few bucks it would be greatly appreciated as I remain in dire straits
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
www.paypal.me/awKward42
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
www.paypal.me/awKward42
October 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
anyway if anyone can help out with a few bucks it would be greatly appreciated as I remain in dire straits
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
www.paypal.me/awKward42
etransfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
www.paypal.me/awKward42