Victoria police halt Gaza protest attendance after 126 weeks, ask for marches to end

A small group of protesters in solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement stand outside with a list of demands for Premier David Eby before the start of the speech from the throne while at legislature in Victoria, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (Chad Hipolito / The Canadian Press)

VICTORIA — Police in Victoria are asking pro-Palestine protesters to stop marching on public roads on their way to the legislature building, citing the drain on police resources from attending the event 126 times in a row.

The Victoria Police Department also says it will stop providing support for the street portion of the weekly marches effective April 4.

Police Chief Fiona Wilson says in a statement that the decision is not a judgment on the merits of the cause, but a “necessary step” to ensure “sustainable policing and protect the long-term health” of officers.

The department says it has dedicated more than 10,000 hours of officer time to support the protests for every week, dating back to the fall of 2023 and the start of the Gaza war.

The department says it remains “fully committed” to protecting the right to peaceful assembly, but “strongly urges” protesters not to march on roadways because of the “serious and immediate safety risks.”

Muslim and Jewish leaders, demonstration organizers and the city have been told of the changes, the department says.

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This report by Wolfgang Depner of The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2026.