â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Public drug use illegal in BC, effective immediately

Public drug use is once again illegal across the province, starting this week.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the announcement yesterday afternoon, approving British Columbia’s request to expand the list of public places where it’s illegal to possess and use illicit drugs.

This includes parks, transit, hospitals, and beaches.

“Decriminalization was never about using drugs in public, ever,” Farnworth said.

“Police asked for the tools to be able to move people along, and in exceptional circumstances, police have the option to seize those drugs.”

If required, an officer can also arrest a person using drugs in public.

Farnworth and Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, both emphasized this is not rolling back decriminalization in the province.

Possession in a private residence, legal shelter, and drug checking location is not illegal.

“If someone is using drugs at home they should be able to call for help without fear of being arrested,” Whiteside said.

“Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs,” Farnworth said.

“Addiction is a health matter, not a criminal justice one. But that does not mean anything goes.


Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Area restriction lifted for wildfire east of Ymir

The BC Wildfire Service has lifted an order restricting public access to the area around the Cultus wildfire.

RDKB protests delay in mattress recycling program

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is concerned a program to recycle old mattresses won't start this year as expected.

Premier Eby calls for “basic fairness” for B.C. ferry users during Ottawa trip

Premier David Eby said he had “productive” meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and several senior officials during his two-day trip to Ottawa.

BCGEU expands job action to include some front-line services

The union representing thousands of public service workers in British Columbia is ramping up job action again, this time affecting front-line services.

Quick Shift: Castlegar Rebels

With puck drop on the 2025-26 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season this Friday, Sept. 19, we take a quick look at the Castlegar Rebels.
- Advertisement -