This has been an issue in Lethbridge for many months now. The Safe Consumption Site is not only a "safe place" for junkies to indulge but also they hand out needles no questions asked, which are taken off site and left scattered about the city. It's also been a huge problem for business in the area. Loitering (and "sleeping") in entrances, customers staying away, crime and vandalism of vehicles in the area.
Basically the city says the province is in charge of the site so theres nothing city council can do, and the experts who run the place will do whats best... for the addicts, and gives the needles. City council has also chosen to not bother try doing something (such as enforcing a needle exchange program)because, well most of them are useless.
It is also very well know that the lot next to the front door of this place is a very good place for the dealers to conduct their business. The police turn a blind eye to this because they don't want this activity driven elsewhere in the city should they enforce the actual law.
I think many are on board with safe consumption sites but they should be just that.
__________________
The only thing better then a glass of beer is tea with Ms McGill
|