City Council Meets With BC Minister Of Mental Health And Addictions And MLA Babchuk

Reps with the City of Campbell River, along with the mayor and members of Council, sat down with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and MLA Michele Babchuk earlier this month.

On the agenda - potential collaborations on safe and effective approaches to address harms associated with substance use in the community as well as the rationale for the City bringing forward the consumption of controlled substances in public spaces bylaw.

Council identified a need for health services, including improved access to safe consumption sites, along with treatment and recovery options.

They also discussed creating a working group that will include representatives from the Ministry, Island Health, First Nations and the City, to address concerns.

The proposed bylaw prohibits the consumption of controlled substances within 15 metres of any playground, sports field, tennis court, picnic shelter, water park, skate park or covered bus shelter, and at 12 City facilities.

The bylaw will be considered for third reading in the first Council Meeting in June.

“Council appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Minister and relay the feedback that we hear from residents, businesses and visitors on a daily basis,” says Mayor, Kermit Dahl.

“Campbell River continues to experience increasing levels of public disorder due to substance use, mental health challenges and homelessness, and the related impacts on community safety and downtown revitalization efforts are significant. Following this meeting, the City and the Ministry are in a better position to work together to address the community’s needs.”