Skip to Main content

3.64°^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

joly-argues-canada-fell-short-on-industrial-gains-from-f-35-deal

CanadaNov 18, 2025

Joly argues Canada fell short on industrial gains from F-35 deal

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said on Parliament Hill that Canada has not secured adequate economic returns from its contract to purchase U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets. According to her, the government needs “more jobs created out of the F-35 contract.” Her remarks came as Swedish defence company Saab weighs establishing production in Canada to build its Gripen fighter jets — a proposal that could generate up to 10,000 Canadian jobs, Joly said. She added that Ottawa will carefully examine the offer. Canada has committed to buying 16 F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin as part of

man-dies-after-downtown-vancouver-stabbing-as-police-probe-citys-26th-homicide-of-the-year

Man dies after downtown Vancouver stabbing as police probe city’s 26th homicide of the year

Vancouver police are investigating a fatal stabbing in the downtown core after a man was attacked near Granville and Helmcken streets Monday afternoon. Officers say they were called to the area around 3:15 p.m., where the victim was found with serious injuries. The man was taken to hospital but did not survive. Police have not released his identity, and no information on possible suspects or a motive has been made public. The killing marks Vancouver’s 26th homicide of the year, a figure that continues to draw concern in communities across the Lower Mainland where public safety has become a r

eci-seeks-explanation-from-punjab-police-chief-over-firs-linked-to-tarn-taran-bypoll

IndiaNov 18, 2025

ECI seeks explanation from Punjab police chief over FIRs linked to Tarn Taran bypoll

The Election Commission of India has directed Punjab’s Director General of Police to appear before the poll authority on November 25 after a series of police cases were filed against workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal during the Tarn Taran by-election campaign. Officials say the order was issued after the commission reviewed a detailed report submitted by the state police on November 13, one day before results were announced. According to information provided to the commission, nine FIRs were registered in separate police districts over the course of the campaign. The cases were lodged in Ta

abbotsford-police-probe-early-morning-shooting-tied-to-ongoing-extortion-investigation

Abbotsford police probe early morning shooting tied to ongoing extortion investigation

Abbotsford police are examining an overnight shooting they believe is connected to a continuing extortion case affecting residents in the Fraser Valley. Officers were called to the 2500 block of Janzen Street shortly before 4 a.m. after reports of gunfire in a residential neighbourhood. Police say two vehicles parked in a driveway were hit by several rounds, but no one inside the home was injured. Investigators believe the property was intentionally targeted, reflecting a pattern seen in recent extortion-related incidents reported in parts of the Lower Mainland. Local police and community advo

report-warns-canada-risks-losing-skilled-newcomers-as-early-departures-persist

CanadaNov 18, 2025

Report warns Canada risks losing skilled newcomers as early departures persist

A new analysis from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship suggests Canada continues to face long-term challenges retaining the newcomers it admits each year. The study reports that roughly one in five immigrants leaves the country within 25 years of arrival, with most departures occurring during the first five years. The findings echo concerns raised in recent years by settlement agencies and provincial governments that have been working to improve support for newcomers. The annual “Leaky Bucket” report indicates that departures are most common among highly educated immigrants, including

Related News

Man dies after downtown Vancouver stabbing as police probe city’s 26th homicide of the year

Man dies after downtown Vancouver stabbing as police probe city’s 26th homicide of the year

Vancouver police are investigating a fatal stabbing in the downtown core after a man was attacked near Granville and Helmcken streets Monday afternoon. Officers say they were called to the area around 3:15 p.m., where the victim was found with serious injuries. The man was taken to hospital but did not survive. Police have not released his identity, and no information on possible suspects or a motive has been made public. The killing marks Vancouver’s 26th homicide of the year, a figure that continues to draw concern in communities across the Lower Mainland where public safety has become a r

Abbotsford police probe early morning shooting tied to ongoing extortion investigation

Abbotsford police probe early morning shooting tied to ongoing extortion investigation

Abbotsford police are examining an overnight shooting they believe is connected to a continuing extortion case affecting residents in the Fraser Valley. Officers were called to the 2500 block of Janzen Street shortly before 4 a.m. after reports of gunfire in a residential neighbourhood. Police say two vehicles parked in a driveway were hit by several rounds, but no one inside the home was injured. Investigators believe the property was intentionally targeted, reflecting a pattern seen in recent extortion-related incidents reported in parts of the Lower Mainland. Local police and community advo

B.C. outlines new plan to attract major investment as Eby presses Ottawa for stronger economic push

B.C. outlines new plan to attract major investment as Eby presses Ottawa for stronger economic push

British Columbia Premier David Eby has introduced a long-term economic strategy that aims to draw up to $200 billion in new investments over the next decade, positioning the province as a key driver of national growth. The initiative, called the Look West plan, outlines how B.C. intends to expand its resource, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors while reducing reliance on U.S. markets. The provincial roadmap highlights several projects already under review by the federal government, including the North Coast Transmission Line, which is intended to support future mining and clean-ener

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital