70% of Vancouver Voters Back Ban on Public Drug Use

Nearly 70% of Vancouver voters supported banning the open use of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces, according to a non-binding question included alongside the municipal election ballot.

Meanwhile, 68% supported urging the provincial government to build a secure medical facility with more than 100 beds at the site of the former St. Paul’s Hospital for patients struggling with severe mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Both questions were added to the ballot at the request of former Mayor Ken Sim. However, newly elected Mayor Pete Fry described them as an election stunt, noting that neither question was legally binding.

Fry said he already has a better plan to address public drug use and homelessness in the city.