Provincial government makes course correction on Open Drug use in public spaces

The Provincial Government will be introducing legislation to ensure
that community spaces such as Prince Rupert's Mariner's Park above, 
will be free of Open Drug use.

One of the largest concerns raised by many British Columbia municipalities and the recent UBCM gathering in  Vancouver last month was a growing issue of the Open use of drugs in public spaces, something which for many Mayors and Councils had seen playgrounds and public parks become no go zones for families or those just looking for a peaceful setting for a few hours.

The ongoing Open use of drugs in those spaces following decriminalization last year, has made for an uncomfortable situation for communities that the municipal leaders urged the province to address.

Today, Premier David Eby  outlined that he and the government had heard those concerns and were taking action to create standardized rules on where and when drugs can be consumed in public.

The legislation which is to be introduced to the Legislature would create a number of parameters where open drug used would be banned in the province.

From today's announcement the province has also provided  details as to how enforcement will take place as well as some guidance for local governments on their own bylaw initiatives.

The legislation is intended to help people feel safer in community spaces and to help people who use drugs connect to spaces where they can use safely and connect to services they need. 

If passed, the legislation will allow police officers to ask a person using drugs in any of these places to cease the activity and leave the area for another appropriate area, such as an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site. 

If a person refuses this direction, the police officer may choose to proceed with enforcement measures, if appropriate. 

The legislation will also provide clarity to local governments about the process to consult with their medical health officer and the regional health authority before considering any additional bylaws regarding public consumption of illegal drugs.

More on the province's plans moving forward if the legislation is passed can be explored here.

While the initiatives towards public safety will be welcome, in amongst the Premier's Social Media information release are some comments from readers that serve to remind the government that there is also a need for a wider rollout of help for those who use drugs and are looking for a pathway away from them.

The need for a regional Detox Centre in the Northwest has been gaining much interest of late, a prominent option one which has been led area First Nations leadership. 

That initiative is one that  Skeena MLA Ellis Ross making sure the need for his area is heard by the province.

Though so far, there has not been a lot of progress towards improving access to a full treatment program for the Northwest.

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.