Needle pickup increased at Vancouver park as police patrols stepped up

Jun 20, 2017 | 11:24 AM

VANCOUVER — Concerns about the presence of hypodermic needles at a Vancouver park have prompted daily cleanup of two playgrounds and the grounds of a nearby school.

Mayor Gregor Robertson says the city, park board, the health authority and the school board are ramping up efforts to keep Andy Livingstone Park safe for children and all residents.

Robertson says in a release that anyone who sees a discarded needle in a park or on the street should report it to the Needle Van Hotline.

He says managing discarded needles has become a significant challenge in the midst of an overdose crisis in the city and across the province.