Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has issued a statement regarding city safety following last night’s blaze inside a Nesters Market at the Woodward’s development.
Earlier today, we reported that a man was in custody with charges of arson being recommended following a fire on the evening of March 30.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sim thanked first responders, including members of the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, saying that no one was hurt due to their “swift” response.
“This incident is deeply concerning. An individual is now in custody after allegedly setting a fire inside the store in what police have indicated was an attempted theft. We are told this individual is well-known to VPD,” he said.
Sim repeated concerns, as he has in the past, about repeat offenders and public safety in Vancouver.
“This raises serious questions about repeat offenders, and underscores why cities like Vancouver have been calling on senior levels of government to do more. We need stronger action, and we need it now,” Sim said.
Sim also suggested that incidents like the Nesters Market fire were among the reasons why the City supported investments in public safety.
The Province has approved the new VPD training academy at Woodward’s!
This news delivers what we’ve been promising to Vancouver: a safer city for both residents and businesses.
Locating this academy at Woodward’s will help bring consistent activity and a daily presence to the… pic.twitter.com/wZ2DqDvH91
— Mayor Ken Sim (@KenSimCity) March 7, 2026
“This is exactly why the City is moving forward with new investments in public safety, including the establishment of the new police District 5, and a modern training academy for the VPD at the Woodwards complex. These investments are about ensuring our officers have the resources, capacity, and support they need to respond effectively and keep people safe,” Sim said.
For folks wondering about the state of the Nesters Market, Sim suggested that the City has been in touch with representatives of the market, and that they are working hard to reopen “as soon as possible.”
“The City will continue to support our partners and advocate for the changes needed to address repeat offenders and improve public safety for all Vancouverites.”