The B.C. government is investing more than $600,000 to expand the Provincial Forensic Firearms Laboratory as part of its response to extortion-related shootings and gang violence.
The funding comes from the federal Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund and is being administered by the province. It will be used to increase lab capacity and cover overtime costs, allowing police to receive forensic results more quickly.
The Provincial Forensic Firearms Lab supports police agencies across British Columbia, including in Northern B.C., by analyzing weapons seized during criminal investigations. The lab plays a key role in linking firearms to crimes and helping investigators identify suspects.
According to the province, demand for the lab’s services has risen steadily. In 2024, nearly 870 firearm exhibits were submitted for testing, up from 625 the year before. The increased workload has created pressure on lab space and staffing.
Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger says expanding the lab will allow police to prioritize critical files, particularly extortion-related cases, and speed up charge approvals. The expansion will also support intelligence-led policing by improving provincewide data on guns used in crimes.
The lab, which opened in 2021, is expected to expand in the coming months. The investment builds on other provincial and federal efforts to address organized crime, support victims, and improve public safety across B.C.
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