WHEREAS municipalities lack the legislative tools to adequately deal with certain types of problem properties: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia work with UBCM to create or improve existing legislation in order to address the public disorder and neighbourhood deterioration caused by illicit drug houses, problem addresses, businesses and the issues associated with them.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY 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. This includes looking to other jurisdictions and their responses to disruptive drug, party and crack houses, including the introduction of legislation to empower communities to address the problems associated with these properties. There are a number of communities that have utilized provisions existing under the Community Charter 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. Other existing supports for communities include information developed by the Criminal Justice Reform Secretariat. The Crime Prevention Guide www.criminaljusticereform.gov.bc.ca offers guidance to assist communities in responding safety concerns in their neighbourhoods.