Drug store saves Rem Day

Photo: Victoria Times Colonist

London Drugs has pledged to cover the operating costs of Remembrance Day events in Victoria for the next few years.

“We have seen the concern about the Remembrance Day event potentially being cancelled or changed in some way, and we have seen and heard our veterans’ concerns,” Clint Mahlman, president of the B.C. company, said in a statement.

“We want to ensure that we remove the worry from the community so that this important event continues and can be planned for.”

The company said in its statement that it plans to meet with representatives of Victoria council and the police department to discuss what is needed “to ensure the Remembrance Day commemorations can proceed into the future.” 

The drugstore's offer comes after Victoria city council voted to ask Veteran’s Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence to help cover the cost of policing military events such as Remembrance Day and Victoria Day.

Victoria police last week told city council that budget cuts have left them $135,300 short of covering the costs of policing some public events, including $78,400 for Canada Day, $41,700 for special events run by non-profits, and an estimated $15,200 for policing military-related events such as Remembrance Day.

During council discussions, which fell on June 6, the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Coun. Ben Isitt proposed approaching the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs for funding for military events.

Public backlash to the proposal was immediate. City councillors will consider Isitt’s proposal tonight.