Image credit: City of Richmond
ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Why finding a solution to the illicit-drug crisis remains so elusive

Feb 14, 2024 | 5:55 AM

A MEASURE OF HOW DIVISIVE the issue of illicit drug use is for communities can be found in a sometimes unruly meeting of the Richmond City council that began on Monday and didn’t wrap up until late last night.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider applying for a supervised consumption site. Residents crowded council chambers or stood outside to listen. By far most of them were unhappy with the possibility of a consumption site in their city.

Some were certain a consumption site would attract more drug addicts, leading to an increase in crime and public safety issues. They worried about the safety of kids and seniors.

Seventeen thousand signed an online petition opposing the site, which would test drugs and provide a place for safe consumption and to connect with health advisors.

Proponents of the site say it will reduce consumption in back alleys and public parks. The science says supervised consumption sites save lives. But those who fear them see them as a source of social problems and an endangerment.

Meanwhile, the District of Sicamous, which got the ball rolling last year on attempts to restrict the consumption of illicit drugs in public places, is circulating a letter that will be in front of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board tomorrow.

The district council says decriminalization won’t solve the drug problem and urges more funding and immediate access to addiction supports and treatment. Exactly.

We need it all, all four pillars: harm reduction, prevention, treatment and enforcement. But the devil is in the details.

Kamloops has largely avoided controversy over supervised consumption, but we’ve certainly had dissension around other aspects of the illicit drug issue.

Finding consensus on a solution seems impossible. After hearing all the objections last night, the Richmond council’s response was to promise more study and consultation.

I wish them luck. We’ll never get to a solution if we can’t agree on what the solution looks like.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.