The BC Government has tabled new legislation to address the public use of illegal drugs in communities across the province.
If passed, the legislation will ban public drug use within six metres of all building entrances, and within six metres of bus stops. Drug use will also be banned within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray and wading pools, and skate parks; and at all parks, beaches and sports fields.
“Local governments, police, and some members of the public have expressed increasing concerns about public drug use,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said. :The legislation introduced today will respond to these concerns by restricting public use similar in may respects to what is in place for smoking, alcohol, and cannabis.”
Farnworth says those using drugs in public will not be criminally punished but instead, police officers would ask them to stop or move them to another location.
“Although we’ve moved away from treating people who use drugs as criminals, that doesn’t mean it is okay for people to use drugs in public places, particularly in places where kids may be,” he added.
“We want people to be able to come forward for help and not fear arrest for struggling with addiction, and we also recognize that places where children and families gather are not places where people should be using drugs. The legislation introduced today reflects that.”
This proposed legislation is much more focused that the Kamloops bylaw which restricts open drug use within 100-meters of parks, playgrounds, beaches, public municipal buildings and all sidewalks.
The province also says the personal possession of small amounts of illegal drugs remains permitted in certain areas as part of B.C.’s three-year decriminalization pilot program that got underway on Jan. 31.
“The toxic-drug crisis has taken too many lives, too soon. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to save lives and help people suffering with addictions get treatment,” Premier David Eby said, in a statement. “British Columbians overwhelmingly agree addiction is a health matter.”
“At the same time, they’re also concerned about open drug use in public spaces, especially near where kids play. That’s why we’re taking this critical step similar to how we regulate smoking or alcohol use in public, to help people feel safer in their communities, and ensure people who use drugs can be connected to safer and more appropriate spaces with the services they need.”
There is no word when the legislation might pass, but the Province says it “will address the needs of communities and public safety, while still recognizing the critical need for supports for people who use drugs in the face of a toxic drug crisis.”
More to come