Latest news with #openDrugUse
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Windsor city councillors call for more action on open-air drug use
Windsor city council wants to crack down on people using drugs in public. CTV Windsor's Bob Bellacicco explains. Two Windsor city councillors say there needs to be more action when it comes to open-air drug use. Ward 3 councillor Renaldo Agostino says other municipalities have implemented plans dealing with drug use on city streets. 'In some cases they are taking the drugs away, they're taking paraphernalia away. In some cases they are laying charges. A lot of it comes with compassion. A lot of it comes with education,' says Agostino. Other communities across Ontario, including Sarnia and London, have stepped up their efforts to clean up open drug use from their streets and Agostino wonders if the same can be done in Windsor. That's a question he'll bring up at council. 'What this is about is gaining back some control of our streets,' he says. Ward 8 councillor Gary Kaschak says he'd like to see a blitz in Windsor. 'The open drug use is just not good. We've seen an instance of that even in Ward 8 here in Windsor and people don't want to see that,' says Kaschak. While Windsor police haven't committed to a formal enforcement blitz, they acknowledge the community concerns surrounding open drug use. 'Whether it is downtown or any other place in the city we will strategically place our officers where they're needed,' says Const. Bianca Jackson. Since Strengthen the Core was put in place last year, officers and auxiliary officers have become more visible. 'We are doing our best to collaborate with our community partners to make sure the vulnerable in our community get the services they need for their health, care and well-being,' Jackson. A one-day blitz in Sarnia conducted last week led to five arrests for open drug use including one charge of trafficking. While there is frustration over drug use and the lack of arrests, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley feels when the health heart hubs open those days could come to an end. 'You'll be 30-days off drugs and alcohol before you go into this place but you'll get everything. Housing component, you'll get health care component, the addiction treatment. That is the key and I'm hoping the province will do that right across the province,' says Bradley.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
New Hamilton police initiative takes aim at open drug use in public spaces
Hamilton police say that a new initiative targeting open drug use in public spaces has led to hundreds of seizures and the referral of dozens of other people to treatment programs since it began in January. In a news release, Hamilton police said that the initiative 'prioritizes health-focused intervention over criminal enforcement for individuals experiencing substance use disorder.' As part of the new approach, police say that officers are instructed to 'support individuals through education, voluntary treatment referrals, and de-escalation' and only resort to criminal enforcement 'when necessary.' Police say that aggravating factors that could lead to criminal charges include 'threats to public safety, the presence of children, or association with other drug offences.' 'Open drug use on our streets is unacceptable and erodes public safety,' Supt. Dave Hennick said in a news release. 'While enforcing the law, we must also ensure that those struggling with addiction have a real opportunity to access support. This is about protecting our community while offering a path forward for those ready to seek help.' Hamilton police have partnered with St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and the RAAM (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine) clinic as part of the initiative. Police say that referrals made by officers are 'prioritized' allowing individuals to quickly receive help. However, police note that there will be no criminal consequences for refusing treatment. Since the program launched, police say that officers have made 287 arrests for simple possession, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of illicit drugs. Police say that an additional 14 people have been charged with drug trafficking-related offences. Numerous weapons have also been seized. Police say that 'most significantly' 65 people have been referred to treatment programs. 'We need to find a balance between public safety and compassion for those addicted to drugs,' Hennick said. The initiative comes on the heels of several high-profile instances of drug trafficking in Hamilton public spaces last year, including the dismantling of what police said amounted to a 'open air drug market' in a downtown laneway and another trafficking operation on a public trail that police said was known as 'the Shack.'
