B.C. foots $385,000 police overtime bill for patrolling `Freedom Convoys'

Nine weeks of “Freedom Convoy” protests at the B.C. legislature will cost the province more than $385,000 in overtime pay this year, Victoria Police say.

Police and civilian staff were called in from across the Greater Victoria region to patrol the sporadic demonstrations, which kicked off in January with hundreds of protesters clogging the streets both on foot and in cars, calling for the government to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

The protests, which were in line with larger anti-mandate demonstrations in Canada's capital, racked up approximately $385,947.25 in overtime costs, Victoria Police said in a statement Friday.

Since protests took place at the legislature, overtime costs were covered by the province.

Three people were arrested and more than 50 motor-vehicle violation tickets were issued, along with four bylaw citations for excessive horn honking. Police said no injuries or significant property damage occurred, despite tensions between protesters and counter-protesters and effects on nearby residents and businesses.

“Officers continue to respond to dangerous or unlawful acts during protests with de-escalation and enforcement,” said Victoria Police Chief Del Manak. “Our continued thanks to James Bay area residents who have borne 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.”

The figure released by the department does not include regular duty hours for the officers involved.