Pattison Food Group 'profoundly disappointed’ by arson sentencing

Pattison Food Group president Jamie Nelson said the grocer is “profoundly disappointed” that a man who set a fire inside a Nesters Market in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside earlier this year has received a conditional sentence. 

Victor Atkinson set a fire inside the supermarket on March 30. Atkinson was first charged with arson and theft under $5000. 

Atkinson has received a two-year conditional sentence to be served in community followed by two years of probation. 

Nelson said the incident 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.

“This was not a shoplifting incident that escalated unexpectedly,” Nelson said in a statement. “The offender intentionally started a fire to create a distraction for theft.”

Nelson said dozens of customers and team members were inside the store at the time, with hundreds more residents living in the apartments above.

No one was injured, which Nelson attributed to the “quick actions” of team members and “sheer luck.” 

“What is most troubling is the sentence itself. The offender reportedly had approximately 200 interactions with police and 14 prior property crime convictions,” Nelson’s statement reads. “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.” 

Nelson said the company remains “committed to the community.”

“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,” he said.