Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal for two plebiscite questions on drug use has been approved by the city council. The questions will be included in the upcoming municipal election in October.
Sim’s initiative to seek public opinion on enhancing laws regarding open-air hard drug use and advocating for more involuntary care treatment at a soon-to-be-closed hospital site has faced criticism from opponents who view it as a strategic move ahead of the election.
The mayor emphasized the importance of engaging voters to strengthen the city’s approach to drug issues officially. He plans to convene an emergency council meeting to add the plebiscite questions to the ballot for Vancouver voters on October 17, supported by councillors from the majority ABC Vancouver slate.
While the specifics of the proposed bylaw enhancements were not disclosed, Sim highlighted the plebiscite as a step towards improving the city’s conditions. The first question pertains to reinforcing drug-use regulations, while the second aims to repurpose parts of the St. Paul’s Hospital site for a secure medical facility with voluntary and involuntary care beds.
Responding to inquiries about the necessity of locating the care beds within the city, Sim stressed Vancouver’s urgent requirement for such facilities, citing improved outcomes when individuals have proximity to their community and loved ones.
Critics, including Vancouver Liberals mayoral candidate Kareem Allam, have questioned the lack of details in Sim’s proposals, labeling them as political distractions. Allam, formerly Sim’s chief of staff, accused the mayor of backtracking on social service location issues.
City council addressed Sim’s plebiscite questions during an emergency meeting, with Coun. Pete Fry from the Green Party expressing concerns about the insufficient information regarding the St. Paul’s Hospital site’s future plans, purchased by developer Concord Pacific for close to $1 billion in 2020. Fry criticized the plebiscite as a ploy to influence voter turnout, branding it a cynical election maneuver.