Elements of a proposed law giving by-law officers and city police more authority to address the drug trafficking issues in Thunder Bay is receiving some opposition.
City councillor Aldo Ruberto, who put forth the idea, is disputing social media claims that this is targeted to the homeless and marginalized.
He tells us it is intended to target drug dealers on the streets.
“Social media comments regarding mental health services is a slap in the face to all the people that are out there, the organizations, such as the safe injection site, PACE, and Shelter House, that are trying to help,” notes Ruberto.
The city councillor adds the idea includes moving anyone taking drugs, or selling drugs, in front of a business in a public area, to a more private spot, away from public view, “If you have a bunch of intoxicated individuals in front of a store, or a bunch of people shooting up, I’m sorry, it’s not going to happen. You’ve got to move those people along.”
Ruberto says there are many social agencies willing to help, but addicts refuse help when offered to them. Many Thunder Bay business owners and people living in the area are fed up and want something done about the drugs and alcohol.
“Get it though your heads, once and for all, this is targeting criminals. And I wish some of these people would show up to these ward meetings and listen to the people that are affected by these criminals,” adds the At-large councillor.
However, one of his colleagues on city council feels resources could be better spent.
Shelby Ch’ng points out instead of giving more power to by-law officers, money needs to flow into social agencies to help those struggling with addiction.
“We can however, stop cutting the budget and put money into the Shelter House, so that maybe it stays open during the day, so someone has a place to go, to use the bathroom, to get mental health services,” says the Northwood councillor.
She’s also concerned with the notion of moving addicts shooting up in front of a business to more private areas, and wants more solid evidence and research that proves this whole idea works.
“If something comes back with evidence to show that moving people along would help them in the long run, and help solve our problems with drugs and alcohol, then that is something worthy to look at,” says Ch’ng.
In fact, the Northwood rep is sticking with her concerns, even though Ruberto points out his plan will not arrest drug addicts.
“We cannot simply arrest our way out of mental health and drug addiction problems we have in our city. I think it’s proven time and time again that is not a legitimate answer to the problems we face,” maintains Ch’ng.
She adds she was born and raised in the area, her business has been in the south downtown core for 8 years, so she says she definitely knows what is going on. As well, she says there hasn’t been enough accurate information about this in the media, and on social media, leading to some confusion.
