Residents of Vancouver’s Yaletown are expressing deep concern for their community’s safety after a series of stabbings along the seawall near David Lam Park. The Vancouver Police Department confirmed there was seven victims targeted in the Friday morning incident, four of whom suffered stab wounds. Despite a suspect being taken into custody, the community remains anxious. Ellen Kief, a Yaletown resident, described the recent events as “absolutely terrifying” and indicative of a larger issue. “I think as a community, everybody wants to have this problem solved,” she said. Tamara Hamelin, 35, was arrested on Monday in connection with the random stabbings and has been charged with one count of assault. In response to these incidents, more than twenty residents gathered at the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza on Tuesday evening to discuss growing safety concerns in the neighborhood. “The community, as it should be, is obviously very concerned and afraid and feel that there has to be more to be done,” Kief stated. Kief emphasized their goal as “to help provide a plan and a solution of what can take immediate action to keep people here safe.” She noted that the group is reaching out to local MLAs, MPs, the mayor, police, security personnel, residents, and the business community for support. While recent statistics from the VPD indicate a decrease in assaults in August 2025 compared to August 2024, residents feel these numbers do not accurately reflect their reality. “They’re walking their dog at 7:30 in the morning and feel they have to be afraid to look over their shoulder, so that they’re not getting hurt or harmed,” Kief added. Those who attended Tuesday’s meeting conveyed a strong message: “We hear you, we see you, we’re watching you, and we want all of us to work together to be safe.”
