New Campbell River bylaw bans open use of drugs as B.C. decriminalizes possession
A city on Vancouver Island rushed in a new bylaw just before B.C. officially decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs.
The new bylaw in Campbell River, B.C., prohibits the open consumption of street drugs on public property, including in municipal parks, city facilities and roads.
The bylaw was introduced on Thursday, just ahead the province's decriminalization pilot project, which came into effect on Tuesday.
B.C. is now the first province in Canada to make it legal for adults to possess a combined 2.5 grams of drugs, such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA.
Health officials say by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs, more people will be able to access medical services and there's an opportunity for the perception of substance use to shift from crime to public health.
Campbell River, like many cities across Canada, has been struggling with an addiction issue in its downtown core.
With the new bylaw in place, Campbell River’s director of community safety Peter Wipper says people can be fined $200 for consuming drugs in public spaces, similar to bylaws that are in place that prohibit the open consumption of alcohol or marijuana.
"I would think one of the main thrusts is to address the public's concern when they come downtown," said Wipper.
"Let's say they want to go to Spirit Square and sit down on the benches, are they going to feel safe there?" he said.
James Simon, who operates a business in downtown Campbell River, says he applauds the new bylaw, but he isn't sure how much of an effect it will have.
"It's getting worse," said Simon. "I don't feel any fear, but I do understand it."
The city has the power of enforcing the bylaw effective immediately, but whether they do, remains to be seen.
"[In] the dark evening, just like anywhere else, don't go into back alleys or anything," said Simon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.