In a heartbreaking turn of events, Rachelle Keeley, the owner of Victoria Suites, has reached her breaking point. Just six weeks ago, her life took a terrifying twist when she was assaulted on Johnson Street.

"A man approached me, demanded to know what I was doing on my phone, and grabbed my wrist. Luckily, a security guard came to my aid," Keeley recounted with a shudder.

Despite her terrifying experience, the challenges didn’t end there. Keeley has faced multiple incidents involving aggressive men threatening her outside her boutique hotel, located adjacent to a supportive housing facility. "One time, someone told my staff they’d get hurt badly, and we reported it to 911, but it didn’t seem to matter to anyone that there was an apparent threat," she said.

For over 13 years, Keeley’s hotel has welcomed guests, including young female doctors who arrive late at night to pick up their keys for hospital rotations. But the disruption and crime in the area have spiraled, heavily influenced by rampant drug activities. "Drug dealers are preying on the vulnerable, and without intervention, these individuals will struggle to make positive changes in their lives," she expressed, advocating for mandatory care to help those suffering.

In response to rising crime, the City of Victoria has introduced a ambitious 79-page safety plan with recommendations aimed at improving public safety. Additionally, a $10 million initiative was launched to bolster police presence and improve the overall atmosphere of downtown.

Yet, Keeley feels these measures fall drastically short of what is needed. "Every day, my staff deals with mental distress. One was approached by a blood-covered man demanding a cappuccino. Another had her daughter struck by a homeless individual. The fear is palpable," Keeley stated, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns.

Last Tuesday became the straw that broke the camel's back for Keeley. After confronting a man who had stripped down outside her business, she was met with hostile words. When another began to use drugs right in front of her establishment, Keeley realized she could no longer ensure her staff's safety in that environment.

"When I realized we were in danger and that 911 operators didn’t see it as an emergency, it was clear—our safety comes first. I can’t put my mental health or my team's at risk any longer," she declared.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto expressed deep empathy for Keeley, recognizing the gravity of her situation. "This is a glaring example of the urgent need for heightened community safety efforts," she remarked.

Alto reassured that significant funding is being funneled into public welfare programs to protect businesses and residents alike. "Despite the delay in visible change, we are prioritizing community safety. Nearly $13 million is being allocated to uphold this promise," she revealed.

As Keeley prepares to leave downtown, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the safety struggles faced by business owners in urban centers today. Many in the community hope for swift action and tangible improvements to ensure a safer future for all.