Skip to Main content

6.75°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 14, 2023 7:29 PM - Connect News

B.C. bans drug use near playgrounds, spray pools, skate parks

Share On

b-c-bans-drug-use-near-playgrounds-spray-pools-skate-parks

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said that the ban will come into effect from September 18.

British Columbia has banned the use of illegal drugs on playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.

The British Columbia government says it has received approval from Health Canada to ban the possession and use of illegal drugs in certain public places where families and children gather.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said that the ban will come into effect from September 18.

It shall be illegal to possess drugs within 15 meters of a playground, wading pool or skate park.

Police will be able to enforce the B.C. Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in such areas, even though the federal government had given the state an exemption from the drug law six months ago.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ken Sim said that with this move, families will feel safer in these public places.

Minister Jennifer Whiteside said she requested the amendment from Health Canada to ensure we are prepared to fight the drug-addiction crisis and save lives.

Latest news

chilliwack-rcmp-seek-witnesses-dash-cam-footage-after-assault-victim-dies-in-hospital

Chilliwack RCMP seek witnesses, dash cam footage after assault victim dies in hospital

The Chilliwack RCMP Serious Crime Unit is asking the public for information as investigators examine whether an earlier assault contributed to the death of a 49-year-old man. Police said officers were notified on March 7 that the man, who had been assaulted on Feb. 21, died in hospital. According to an RCMP news release, investigators believe the assault may have been a contributing factor in the death and the Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. The incident is believed to have occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 along Railway Avenue near Young Road. Police say the victim an

indias-supreme-court-grants-bail-to-two-accused-in-sidhu-moosewala-murder-case

IndiaMar 12, 2026

India’s Supreme Court grants bail to two accused in Sidhu Moosewala murder case

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to two accused – Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh – in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. According to court proceedings, the decision was based on the length of time the accused have already spent in custody and the pace of the ongoing trial. The high-profile case continues to be heard in courts in the state of Punjab. Court records show that charges have been framed against 27 accused so far in connection with the killing. Several suspects remain in jail, while others have been granted bail during the course of legal proceedings.

carney-to-take-private-vacation-in-uk-and-italy-after-norway-uk-visits

CanadaMar 12, 2026

Carney to take private vacation in UK and Italy after Norway, UK visits

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to remain in Europe for a short private vacation following official visits to Norway and the United Kingdom, according to reports about his upcoming travel schedule. Carney is scheduled to depart on March 13 for Norway before continuing to the United Kingdom for meetings with political leaders. The Prime Minister’s Office says the trip will focus on defence cooperation, global economic shifts and international security issues. During his time in London, Carney is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to officials, the discussio

treaty-6-leaders-raise-alberta-separatism-concerns-during-meeting-with-king-charles

AlbertaMar 12, 2026

Treaty 6 leaders raise Alberta separatism concerns during meeting with King Charles

The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations says Indigenous leaders raised concerns about Alberta separatism during a recent meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Grand Chief Joey Pete said the King was “very interested” in hearing directly from Treaty 6 leadership and listened closely as chiefs described issues affecting First Nations in the region, including political discussions in Alberta about possible separation from Canada. Pete said the King expressed concern after hearing about the issue and told leaders he would seek to learn more. According to Pe

federal-cap-limits-non-sufficient-funds-bank-fees-to-10-starting-thursday

CanadaMar 12, 2026

Federal cap limits non-sufficient funds bank fees to $10 starting Thursday

New federal rules limiting how much banks can charge when customers do not have enough money in their accounts to cover a cheque or pre-authorized payment took effect Thursday. The regulations cap non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees at $10 for personal deposit accounts. According to the federal government, banks previously charged as much as $50 for the same type of transaction. Under the new rules, banks are also prohibited from charging more than one NSF fee within two business days for the same deposit account. Financial institutions also cannot charge an NSF fee if the account shortfall is les

Related News

Chilliwack RCMP seek witnesses, dash cam footage after assault victim dies in hospital

Chilliwack RCMP seek witnesses, dash cam footage after assault victim dies in hospital

The Chilliwack RCMP Serious Crime Unit is asking the public for information as investigators examine whether an earlier assault contributed to the death of a 49-year-old man. Police said officers were notified on March 7 that the man, who had been assaulted on Feb. 21, died in hospital. According to an RCMP news release, investigators believe the assault may have been a contributing factor in the death and the Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. The incident is believed to have occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 along Railway Avenue near Young Road. Police say the victim an

Pacific storm brings wind warnings and mountain snow across southern B.C.

Pacific storm brings wind warnings and mountain snow across southern B.C.

A Pacific storm system moved into southwestern British Columbia on Wednesday, bringing wind warnings for coastal communities and fresh snowfall forecasts for higher elevations across the province. Environment Canada said in a special weather statement that there is a slight chance of brief sea-level snowfall in parts of Metro Vancouver as the system moves through. Any low-elevation snow is expected to be short-lived. Flurries earlier in the week did not accumulate at Vancouver International Airport, keeping Vancouver on track for what could become its first officially snow-free winter in more

Man charged after four alleged stranger assaults on women in downtown Vancouver

Man charged after four alleged stranger assaults on women in downtown Vancouver

A 28-year-old man has been charged in connection with a series of alleged stranger assaults targeting women in downtown Vancouver over a one-year period, according to the Vancouver Police Department. Police say the investigation began Jan. 29, 2025, after a 44-year-old woman reported she was assaulted by a man she did not know while walking near the intersection of Granville and Dunsmuir streets. According to police, three additional women later reported similar incidents in the downtown core. Investigators allege the suspect elbowed or shoulder-checked women while passing them on sidewalks, i

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital