Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024 

Files: 24-4591, 24-1634 

Victoria, BC – Traffic disruptions are expected in the downtown core area for a planned demonstration on Saturday and Sunday’s Lunar New Year event. 

Planned Demonstrations – Saturday February 17 

Temporary CCTV will be deployed, and traffic disruptions are expected for a planned demonstration this Saturday, February 17. The demonstration will begin at approximately 1 p.m. and last approximately two hours.  

VicPD recognizes everyone’s right to freedom of expression and lawful assembly, and to demonstrate in public spaces, including streets, as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, participants are reminded that it is inherently unsafe to march on open streets, and that they do so at their own risk.  

Participants are also asked to remember the limits of lawful demonstration. VicPD’s Safe and Peaceful Demonstration Guide contains information on the rights and responsibilities of peaceful demonstrating. 

Officers will be on site, and our job is to preserve the peace and maintain public safety for all. We police behaviour, not beliefs. Dangerous or unlawful behaviors during demonstrations will be met with de-escalation and enforcement. 

Temporary, Monitored CCTV Cameras Deployed 

We will be deploying our temporary, monitored CCTV cameras in support of our operations to ensure public safety and help maintain traffic flow. The deployment of these cameras is part of our operations to support community safety and is in keeping with both provincial and federal privacy laws. Temporary signs are up in the area to ensure that the community is aware. The cameras will be taken down once the demonstration has concluded. If you have concerns about our temporary camera deployment, please email [email protected]. 

Lunar New Year Celebrations – Sunday February 18 

There will be downtown road closures this Sunday, February 18 for the Lunar New Year event celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Events begin at 11:30 a.m. with the Lions Parade starting at 1:00 p.m. in the 600-block of Fisgard Street. 

The 500-block of Fisgard Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and other downtown intersections will be closed as participants move along the parade route.  

A map of the parade route is below. VicPD officers will be deployed for traffic control and to keep parade participants and community members safe during this event. 

Map of Lion Parade Routes 

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