Skip to Main content

4.74°^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

AlbertaFeb 11, 2026

AFN national chief says Alberta separation cannot proceed without First Nations consent

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says any attempt by Alberta to separate from Canada would require the consent of First Nations and cannot proceed without respecting treaty rights. Speaking Tuesday at an AFN conference in Calgary, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak described the province’s separatist movement as illegitimate and unconstitutional. She said Canada is founded on treaties between the Crown and First Nations, and those agreements would remain in force regardless of provincial political movements. “Canada is treaty territory,” Woodhouse Nepinak told delegates. “First

AlbertaFeb 11, 2026

Calgary man charged after drone used to smuggle drugs into Manitoba prison

A Calgary man is facing drug trafficking charges after authorities allege a drone was used to deliver illicit substances to a federal prison in Manitoba. The RCMP say officers were alerted early Sunday morning after a drone dropped a package onto the grounds of Stony Mountain Institution, located north of Winnipeg. Correctional Service Canada confirmed the package contained methamphetamine and other controlled substances. Police said officers who were already in the area observed a vehicle parked near the institution around the same time. The vehicle was stopped, and investigators reported fin

AlbertaFeb 11, 2026

Alberta man charged in 1992 sexual assault case following DNA breakthrough

An Alberta man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault that took place more than 30 years ago in the eastern Alberta community of Two Hills. RCMP say the alleged assault occurred in June 1992, when a woman was attacked in her home at knifepoint while her children were present. At the time, investigators were unable to identify a suspect, though DNA evidence was collected from the scene. Police say the investigation was reopened after a familial DNA match was identified in 2023. That development led officers to identify a potential suspect and obtain a warrant to compare his DNA wi

prime-minister-mark-carney-postpones-europe-trip-following-fatal-incident-in-tumbler-ridge

CanadaFeb 11, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney postpones Europe trip following fatal incident in Tumbler Ridge

Prime Minister Mark Carney has postponed his scheduled trip to Europe in the wake of a tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The decision also means a planned announcement on Canada’s defence industrial strategy in Halifax on Wednesday will not proceed as scheduled. In a statement released Tuesday, Carney said the federal government stands with the people of British Columbia during what he described as a difficult time. He confirmed he has spoken with B.C. Premier David Eby and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to receive updates on the situation. The prime min

police-confirm-multiple-deaths-after-shooting-at-tumbler-ridge-secondary-school

Police confirm multiple deaths after shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

Tumbler Ridge RCMP say multiple people are dead and others injured after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called at about 1:20 p.m. after a report of an active shooter and issued a Police Initiated Public Alert. The alert was cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after officers determined there were no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public. RCMP say an individual believed to be the shooter was found dead inside the school with what appears to be a self inflicted injury. Six other people were found dead in the school. Two victims were airlifted

Related News

Police confirm multiple deaths after shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

Police confirm multiple deaths after shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

Tumbler Ridge RCMP say multiple people are dead and others injured after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called at about 1:20 p.m. after a report of an active shooter and issued a Police Initiated Public Alert. The alert was cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after officers determined there were no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public. RCMP say an individual believed to be the shooter was found dead inside the school with what appears to be a self inflicted injury. Six other people were found dead in the school. Two victims were airlifted

Surrey driver loses Lamborghini after alleged 197 km/h speed on Alex Fraser Bridge

Surrey driver loses Lamborghini after alleged 197 km/h speed on Alex Fraser Bridge

A Surrey man is facing steep fines, a vehicle impound, and long-term insurance penalties after police allege he was travelling at nearly three times the posted speed limit on the Alex Fraser Bridge earlier this week. BC Highway Patrol says officers observed a Lamborghini SUV moving significantly faster than surrounding traffic just after 8:00 p.m. on February 4. Using a laser speed reader, police clocked the vehicle at 197 kilometres per hour in a 70 kilometre per hour zone while it was heading northbound over the Delta span. Police say the 51-year-old driver was issued multiple violation tick

Two charged after bear spray assault during East Vancouver retail robbery attempt

Two charged after bear spray assault during East Vancouver retail robbery attempt

Two men are facing criminal charges after Vancouver Police say a loss prevention officer was assaulted during an attempted retail theft in East Vancouver earlier this week. Police were called shortly before 8:40 a.m. on February 2 to a store near Glen Drive and Terminal Avenue, where officers say two suspects used bear spray on an employee while trying to flee on foot with unpaid merchandise. The victim did not require hospital treatment, according to police. An extensive search of the surrounding area followed, involving patrol officers, a police drone, and a canine unit. The suspects were lo

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital