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

Interior Health names Sylvia Weir permanent president and CEO

Weir, who was filling in as interim CEO after Susan Brown stepped down in June, will take over the job permanently, the health authority announced today. Weir was previously the organization's chief financial officer.

Beaver Valley’s Preston Shumate named KIJHL rookie of the week

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has named Beaver Valley Nitehawks goaltender Preston Shumate its rookie of the week.

Local climbers eye Castlegar properties

A delegation from the West Kootenay Rock Climbers Association appeared before city council this week, explaining that two properties are for sale near the Kinnaird Bluffs.

RDKB to look at health and wellness pay for directors

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary will explore paying directors a health and wellness stipend as part of a broader review of their remuneration.

Columbia Basin Trust to bring power operations in-house

The Columbia Basin Trust and Columbia Power Corporation will be moving to in-house management of the Arrow Lakes, Brilliant Expansion, and Waneta Expansion facilities as of March 2027.
- Advertisement -