Councillors say the ban is needed to protect the public amid drug decriminalization trial that starts this week
While drug users in downtown Victoria welcomed changes Tuesday allowing them to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine for personal use, the City of Campbell River is bringing in a bylaw to ban consumption of controlled substances on municipal property.Coun. Ben Lanyon, who moved a motion in favour of the bylaw at a Jan. 26 council meeting, called it “the most prudent [way] to protect all of our community.
Johnston pointed to a Vital Signs survey that found the majority of residents are not concerned about going downtown. She said the municipality is making its decision in the absence of information, and needs to consult the chief medical health officer and B.C. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.“I think if it turns out that evidence comes in later that contradicts this we can remove it,” Lanyon said.
If users are allowed to carry drugs in their pockets, the question is: “Where do we get them?” he said, adding the government should listen to drug users’ experiences as part of the decision-making process. A regulated supply of pharmaceutical alternatives should be available through multiple routes, including compassion clubs, he said. “There’s nothing out there that’s safe unless you test your dope every time. And you can’t do that if you’re an active addict.”
Before Tuesday, people were afraid to buy a gram in case they were stopped by police and the drug would be confiscated, she said. She called the new carrying limit a “good thing.” “Basically everybody’s pretty onboard with it.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Campbell River bylaw bans open use of drugs as B.C. decriminalizes possessionA city on Vancouver Island rushed in a new bylaw just before B.C. officially decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs.
Read more »
Campbell River bylaw bans illicit drug use on public property, $200 fineCampbell River council is taking aim at people who use controlled substances on public property, introducing a new bylaw to fine users.
Read more »
Left-leaning councillors question John Tory on plan to add police on TTCThe cost to the city and impact on racialized residents of the mayor’s plans were issues raised by politicians in letter sent to mayor on Monday. Tory responded by pointing to other staffing decisions made regarding public transit amid a spike in violence.
Read more »
Calgary councillors calling for tougher rules at unlicensed day homes across AlbertaThe councillors are advocating for the province to undertake the tighter regulations that were recently implemented in Calgary.
Read more »