One person has died following an early morning crash along Hwy. 19A in Parksville. Police say speed is believed to be a contributing factor. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By David Wiwchar

violent crimes up 40%

Alberni’s crime severity up 8%

Jul 28, 2026 | 8:24 AM

Canada’s crime severity index fell by 5% last year, and the provincial rate dropped 12%, but Port Alberni’s went up by 8%.

The CSI for violent crime dropped 4% Nationally last year, but Port Alberni’s went up by more than 9%, reflecting a 40% increase in violent crimes.

Mayor Sharie Minions said city council is aware of the issues and has made crime reduction a priority.

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“When these headlines come out and when we see these new numbers it’s extremely disappointing,” she said. “We have a lot of people in our community who are working really hard to try to improve the crime rating, but we continue to know that it is an issue and council has been treating it as an absolute top priority issue to make improvement on.”

The crime severity stats were released last week, and put Port Alberni in the top 15 highest crime rates in BC with Duncan being the worst.

Minions said multiple mayors and city councils have banded together recently on the issue, to develop strategies to take to the province for funding.

by David Wiwchar

Alberni’s crime severity up 8%

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