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By Sam Bennison

Illegal Drug Use

Proposed legislation will restrict drug use in public spaces

Oct 5, 2023 | 11:44 AM

BRITISH COLUMBIA—New proposed provincial legislation will create clear rules regarding public drug use and enable police to redirect to safer spaces where they can be connected to health-care services and treatments. If passed the legislation will ban drug use in public and recreational spaces in similar ways to rules around tobacco alcohol and cannabis use, providing a consistent approach to throughout the province.

Proponents of the act hope it will encourage people who use drugs to use them safely at local overdose prevention sites and keep community spaces free of illegal drug use.

The proposed legislation comes shortly after the Province’s amendments to B.C.’s Section 56 exemptions from Health Canada allowing for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. B.C.’s decriminalization pilot program remains in effect, rather the proposed legislation will provide a consistent approach throughout the province when it comes to all substances.

The legislation will ban drug use in various community spaces including:

• a six-metre radius from building entrances, including businesses and residential buildings;
• within six metres of a bus stop;
• within 15 metres of playgrounds, spray and wading pools, and skate parks; and
• at parks, beaches and sports fields.

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If passed police officers will be allowed to ask a person using drugs in any of these places to cease activity and leave the area for a more appropriate one, such as an overdose prevention or supervise consumption site. If a person refuses these direction, the officer may choose to proceed with enforcement measures, if appropriate. Furthermore, it will also provide clarity to local governments about the process of consulting with their medical health officer and the regional health authority before considering additional bylaws regarding public consumption of illegal drys.

“The toxic-drug supply is impacting every community across B.C. and our government is doing everything we can to expand access to addiction treatment for people,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “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 legislation stems from feedback from local governments, police and members of the public expressing concerns about public consumption of illegal drugs.