WHEREAS small communities face impacts of properties in neighbourhoods which generate activities involving parties and illegal substance exchange; AND WHEREAS these activities tend to diminish the quality of life in these neighbourhoods and in these small communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities petition the Province of British Columbia to develop a model for communities to deal with the negative effects of illegal substance exchange and offensive parties in neighbourhoods.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Drug houses and the problems associated with them are a concern in many communities in British Columbia. The Government has been examining ways to support local residents in their efforts to increase the security of their neighbourhoods by giving them an opportunity to act on safety concerns. This includes looking to other jurisdictions and their responses to disruptive drug, party and crack houses. Presently there are a number of supports for communities including a new Community Crime Prevention Guide www.criminaljusticereform.gov.bc.ca developed by the Criminal Justice Reform Secretariat that can assist communities in responding. There are a number of communities that have utilized provisions under the Community Charter Act to enact nuisance bylaws where public health and safety risks related to drug or party houses are an issue. These Controlled Substance Property bylaws, including those in Surrey, Port Coquitlam and the Town of Gibsons, can serve as a model for other municipalities experiencing similar problems with these houses. Police remain the primary responders for situations where risks to public safety require immediate action.