Skip to Main content

9.45°^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

CanadaMar 03, 2026

Air Canada adds extra Toronto–Delhi flight amid Middle East disruptions

Air Canada says it is increasing capacity between Canada and India as it suspends several Middle East routes due to current conditions in the region. The airline announced it will add one additional flight on its Toronto–Delhi route from March 7 to March 21. That will bring the total to two daily flights between Toronto and Delhi during that period. Air Canada also said it will deploy larger aircraft on select Toronto–London–Mumbai flights to accommodate additional passenger demand. The changes come after the airline suspended all flights to and from Dubai and Tel Aviv until March 22. Ai

b-c-chief-coroner-announces-investigation-into-tumbler-ridge-mass-shooting

B.C. chief coroner announces investigation into Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

British Columbia Chief Coroner Jatinder Baidwan announced Tuesday that a formal investigation will be conducted into the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. Speaking at a press conference in Victoria, Baidwan said the purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts surrounding the incident and issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. He said the process is also intended to help restore public confidence in the system. According to the BC Coroners Service, the investigation will examine how individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are identified and w

minister-sunner-explains-the-need-of-bill-7-in-an-interview-with-connect-fm

Minister Sunner explains the need of Bill 7 in an interview with Connect FM

The BC government has introduced Bill 7, in the legislature to provide education quality assurance, strengthen oversight, and crack down on bad actors. In this regard, in an exclusive interview with Connect FM today, BC's Minister of Post-Secondary education and Future Skills, Jessie Sooner, answered questions about the need for the bill, its timeline, identification of bad actors and penalties, and its alignment with federal laws. Minister Sunner said, “this legislation will provide more tools and will be useful in maintaining international education standards.” Minister Sunner said that

provincial-site-funding-leads-to-121-arrests-major-drug-and-weapon-seizures-in-kelowna

Provincial SITE funding leads to 121 arrests, major drug and weapon seizures in Kelowna

The Kelowna RCMP says provincial funding through British Columbia’s Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement program has led to 121 arrests, the recommendation of 163 criminal charges and the seizure of firearms, drugs and cash over a seven-month period. According to a Kelowna RCMP news release, the detachment received funding from the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to support additional intelligence-led enforcement between June 1, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026. The initiative focused on violent crime, repeat offenders and organized crim

Two arrested after cocaine seizure in Langford drug trafficking investigation

Two Langford residents were arrested after police seized more than 350 grams of suspected cocaine, cash and silver during a drug trafficking investigation in the West Shore area. According to a release from the Westshore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, the investigation began in February 2026 into a suspected drug trafficker operating in the region. On February 20, officers arrested a 44-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman and executed two search warrants at a Langford residence. Police said investigators located evidence consistent with a drug trafficking operation, including packaging

Related News

B.C. chief coroner announces investigation into Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

B.C. chief coroner announces investigation into Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

British Columbia Chief Coroner Jatinder Baidwan announced Tuesday that a formal investigation will be conducted into the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. Speaking at a press conference in Victoria, Baidwan said the purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts surrounding the incident and issue recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. He said the process is also intended to help restore public confidence in the system. According to the BC Coroners Service, the investigation will examine how individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are identified and w

Minister Sunner explains the need of Bill 7 in an interview with Connect FM

Minister Sunner explains the need of Bill 7 in an interview with Connect FM

The BC government has introduced Bill 7, in the legislature to provide education quality assurance, strengthen oversight, and crack down on bad actors. In this regard, in an exclusive interview with Connect FM today, BC's Minister of Post-Secondary education and Future Skills, Jessie Sooner, answered questions about the need for the bill, its timeline, identification of bad actors and penalties, and its alignment with federal laws. Minister Sunner said, “this legislation will provide more tools and will be useful in maintaining international education standards.” Minister Sunner said that

Provincial SITE funding leads to 121 arrests, major drug and weapon seizures in Kelowna

Provincial SITE funding leads to 121 arrests, major drug and weapon seizures in Kelowna

The Kelowna RCMP says provincial funding through British Columbia’s Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement program has led to 121 arrests, the recommendation of 163 criminal charges and the seizure of firearms, drugs and cash over a seven-month period. According to a Kelowna RCMP news release, the detachment received funding from the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to support additional intelligence-led enforcement between June 1, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026. The initiative focused on violent crime, repeat offenders and organized crim

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital