Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy has voiced his support for the province banning public drug use.
On Friday, April 26, Premier David Eby said the province will ask the federal government to again make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces including parks, hospitals and on transit, stepping back from the decriminalization tried over the past year.
The exemption behind decriminalization prohibited police from arresting, charging or seizing adults in possession of up to 2.5 grams of heroin, cocaine, crack, crystal meth, MDMA or fentanyl. The three-year program started on Jan. 31, 2023.
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“I am pleased to see that today, the B.C. government has moved to ban drug use in open spaces, making it illegal to consume illicit drugs in all public spaces, including parks, restaurants and hospitals,” wrote Ruimy.
“It’s clear that there were many concerns voiced from stakeholders such as the police, and residents in communities around drug use in public spaces. Although, the intention of this policy was to de-stigmatize drug users, it led to negative impacts on public safety. Most importantly, the police’s ability to enforce the safety of the public including children, youth, families, and other vulnerable populations was significantly undermined.”
Although Ruimy’s statement did not reference it, Maple Ridge was in the spotlight when a video showing people smoking what appeared to be hard drugs in a doughnut shop was posted to social media. The video went viral.
Ruimy noted municipalities have been asking for the provincial and federal governments to support a ban on open drug use and provide the necessary supports to address mental health and drug addiction.
“This ban will restore a better balance to manage the complex issue of drug addiction with what we have learned throughout this process,” said his statement.
“We have an obligation to those facing homelessness, mental health issues and addictions, but we also have an overarching responsibility to our broader community, that includes public safety and making sure our streets, parks and neighbourhoods are livable, safe and open to all.”
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