Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
The following statement can be attributed to Pattison Food Group president Jamie Nelson in response to the conditional sentencing of the man who set fire to Nesters Market Woodward’s on March 30: https://globalnews.ca/news/12032238/nesters-fire-arson-charge-sentencing/
Statement from PFG president Jamie Nelson:
We are profoundly disappointed with the sentence imposed in the case of the person who admitted to deliberately setting a fire inside our Nesters Market store in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside on March 30, 2026.
This was not a shoplifting incident that escalated unexpectedly. The offender intentionally started a fire to create a distraction for theft. At the time, dozens of customers and team members were inside the store, with hundreds more residents living in the apartments above. The Crown described the risk to the public as “extreme” and noted the potential for catastrophic loss of life. Fortunately, no one was injured, due in large part to the quick actions of our team members and sheer luck.
The fire caused more than $500,000 in damage and forced the closure of the only full-service grocery store serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for approximately two weeks. It disrupted access to an essential service for a vulnerable community and had a significant impact on our employees and operations.
What is most troubling is the sentence itself. The offender reportedly had approximately 200 interactions with police and 14 prior property crime convictions. While the Crown sought a two-year custodial sentence, he ultimately received a two-year conditional sentence to be served in the community after spending less than five months in pre-trial custody.
We recognize the importance of rehabilitation and addressing the underlying causes of substance-use disorders. However, we believe this outcome fails to reflect the seriousness of conduct that could easily have resulted in tragedy and sends the wrong message about accountability and deterrence.
To be frank, operating this store is challenging given the level of crime in the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, we remain committed to serving this community because we recognize the important role we play within it. Unfortunately, this sentence not only appeared to downplay the severity of the offence, but also overlooked the reality facing businesses that continue to invest in and support communities despite the considerable challenges involved.
As a British Columbia company with more than a century of history, we have a longstanding commitment to the people and communities we serve. We provide employment opportunities, support local economies, and continue to invest in communities throughout the province. We believe an effective justice system must strike an appropriate balance between rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety. When serious crimes place workers, customers, and community members at risk, the response should reflect the gravity of those actions and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
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