Here’s what the BC government’s decriminalization reversal means

Good morning,

I didn’t watch the Canucks, and I definitely regret it. A comeback overtime win after a tying goal with six seconds left in the third? Maybe the team can overcome the loss of Demko (or I’ve entirely jinxed it).

Today we’ve got a deep-dive on what the province’s move to end decriminalization actually means. Plus a smattering of events this week and a preview of our next food story focused on summer drinks.

Let’s dive in!

— Geoff Sharpe, Vancity Lookout editor

PS — If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign-up for free.

WEATHER

Monday: 12 🌡️ 5 | 🌧️

Tuesday: 13 🌡️ 5 | 🌤️

Wednesday: 14 🌡️ 7 | 🌤️

WEEKLY LOOKOUT

Water restrictions incoming: On May 1, Metro Vancouver’s Stage 1 water restrictions arrive, meaning those of you with a lawn are limited to watering it on weekends only, with even-numbered addresses on Saturday and odd-numbered addresses on Sunday. Shrubs, gardens and other plants can be watered by hand anytime or by sprinkler between 5 am-9 am. Given the reservoir levels, higher stages may not be far behind. [Vancouver is Awesome]

Grind time: The ever-popular Grouse Grind is now open! The trailhead has also been upgraded for better access, more seating, water and a stretching area. [Straight]

SkyTrain shutdown: For the next six weeks, King George SkyTrains in Surrey will be shut down for essential maintenance. The Expo Line will end at Surrey Central Station instead. A bus will run between the other stations, adding about 15 minutes more to travel your time. [Business in Vancouver]

HEALTH

Here’s what the BC government’s decriminalization reversal means

What happened: In a major reversal of the province’s drug policy, the BC government announced they are seeking to ban all drug use in public spaces, recriminalize their use in public and give police the power to arrest people, according to Global. 

• What isn’t changing: Possession of 2.5 grams of drugs like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and other hard drugs will still be legal if they’re used in non-public places, like a safe consumption site or at home, according to The Globe and Mail.  

Background: The move comes after the province was blocked by the courts after introducing similar legislation last year, with an injunction delaying the implementation of the law. It also comes after widespread media coverage of drug use in hospitals. 

• Key number: In 2023 there were 2,511 deaths to toxic drugs, the highest death toll since the crisis began, according to CBC. 

Stakeholder thoughts: BC mayors have praised the decision, along with the BC Nurses Union and Health Employers Union, who have been on the front lines of dealing with drug use in hospitals. Advocates who support decriminalization noted that the policy was never designed to deal with drug deaths, and criticized the BC government for not doing enough to stop drug deaths, like providing drug users with more treatment options, according to CBC. 

• Zoom out: After its own experiment three ago decriminalizing drugs, Oregon rolled back its decriminalization strategy, bringing back criminal penalties for possession of hard drugs, according to the Guardian. It carries misdemeanour charge with up to six months in prison, with drug treatment as an alternative to jail time. 

To be clear: Decriminalization and safe supply are two different policies, and safe supply is not impacted by this policy shift. Doctors have noted that access to safe supply is an effective way to reduce deaths, and a major study noted that those with opioid addiction were 61% less likely to die when they had access to safer supply, according to the Globe and Mail. The problem? Not enough people are able to use safe supply due to how difficult it is to access, according to CBC. 

Why the change: Could it have something to do with the large media negative media coverage, the upcoming provincial election, and a provincial party that is seeking to win votes in metro areas that are primarily dealing with visible drug use? The answer is most assuredly yes. 

• It’s been one of the few issues the opposition parties have been effective at critiquing the BC NDP on. Rolling it back is clearly a defensive move by the party to curtail more negative news coverage. It shouldn’t be a surprise the decision was announced after media coverage of drug use in hospitals. 

Looking ahead: The province will work with Health Canada to amend the decriminalization pilot, according to CBC. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for an emergency debate to not only end decriminalization, but end safe supply as well, according to Twitter.

VANCOUVER NUMBERS

🏠️ $48 million: The price of a newly listed luxury home in, of course, Point Grey. It’s one of the most expensive assessed properties in BC. [CTV]

❌ $2,000: The fine Nashville Predators’ player Michael McCarron received for goalie interference after he skated into Canucks goalie Casey DeSmith. [TSN]

🔢 37%: How much housing, poverty and homelessness rank as the top issues for the upcoming BC election, taking the number one spot followed by healthcare at 21%, and the economy and jobs at 18%. [Business in Vancouver]

💰️ $8,000: How much TransLink says one family with two kids saved annually by not using a car for one year. [TransLink]

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DEEP DIVE

‘We’ll bring the shovels’: The past, present and future of False Creek South

Some people didn’t get our newsletter on Friday, so we’re resharing our first long-form story. We hope you enjoy it.

Along one part of Vancouver’s iconic Seawall lies False Creek South (FCS), a unique planned community, with courtyards, parks, businesses, and amenities conveniently located in Vancouver’s Fairview neighbourhood. A dynamic mix of housing types, limited road access, and an emphasis on pedestrian and wheeled access have come to define the nearly 50-year-old “village-like” community.

Before the mid-1970s, False Creek had most recently been an industrial zone, “with log booms, sewer discharge, noise from factories, trains, bridges and roads… [making] residential neighbourhoods in the area unfathomable,” according to a City of Vancouver presentation on the history of the area. Through a series of land deals, the city acquired most of the land that now makes up FCS. 

The area was designed based on community “charrettes,” an intensive type of planning process that focuses on collaboration between developers, neighbours, and prospective residents. As early as the 1950s, a budding urban planning concept known as “Vancouverism” promoted liveable inner-city districts with an inclusive range of housing types, centred around public open space, view corridors, and robust public transit.

Click here to read the entire story.

NEW JOBS

Discover your Vancouver dream job:

• World Cup activation lead at Destination Vancouver

• Director of operations at West Coast Environmental Law

• Operations lead, community safety (12-month contract) at Downtown Van

• Director of finance at 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

• Manager of strategic partnerships at Covenant House Vancouver

THE AGENDA

🏗️ Just how much is the area around the new Broadway subway expected to change? A new map breaks down how all the developments will change the area, with numerous large towers slated to be built along the Broadway corridor, including 7,500+ new rental homes, and large increases in office and hotel spaces. That will only grow as more development projects are proposed. [Vancouver Sun]

🍺 BC’s beer industry is on the decline. The culprits? Increasing costs, flatlining customer growth and high competition are all putting pressure on the industry. [Straight]

🚗 More than teeth will need to be fixed at this dental shop on Hornby Street, which was hit by a car late last week. Fortunately, no one was injured, and while some damage was done, it wasn’t structural. [CityNews]

🅿️ You may want to take public transit to Deep Cove this summer after the District of North Vancouver slashed parking spots from 770 unrestricted spots to 170. There will still be 110 additional time-restricted spots. Bus 211 will take you straight there from downtown. [CityNews]

❌ They may look like they want to be pet, but do not do it. Conservation officers are raising safety concerns after a dog and an elderly woman in South Vancouver near Winona Park were attacked by coyotes last Thursday. If you’re ever confronted by one, make noise, look big and slowly retreat while still facing it. [CTV]

🌳 Metro Vancouver is losing its urban tree canopy, with a 31 percent drop from 2014 to 2020. This is a serious problem as trees in cities help reduce hot weather, and increase the potential for flood risks. [CBC]

🧑‍⚖️ More than 12 mayors throughout Metro Vancouver are asking the federal Justice Minister to deny Robert Pickton parole. Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder. He was able to apply for day parole as of Feb. 22. [CBC]

🏠 Polling shows those seeking to purchase a home are working second jobs, while 32 percent of BC residents say they’d live with their parents longer in order to afford a home. [Business in Vancouver]

EVENTS

2024 TJ Fest | 3426 Smith Ave, Burnaby | May 4-5 | Taiwanese street food, car-free, events and more at this family-friendly event | Free

Un/Cuffed | The Motn Comedy Club | May 4, 7:30 pm | A comedy show about relationships, breakups and more | Tickets $33

Jane’s Walk Vancouver | Around Vancouver | May 2-5 | Multiple free walks throughout the city to explore the community | Free

Patina Brewing’s Hot Ones Challenge | Patina Brewing, Port Coquitlam | May 2, 7 pm | Test your hot sauce limits | Tickets $27

Got Craft Spring Market | Maritime Labour Centre | April 4-5, 10 am-5 pm | 80 different makers and small shops selling their products | Tickets $5

Planetarium VidLaser Zeppelin, Floyd, Radiohead | BCIT Planetarium, Burnaby | May 4, 7 pm | Lazer show and music, what’s not to love! | Tickets $29

May the Fourth Be With You: Family Night | H.R. MacMillan Space Centre | May 4, 6 pm | A fun night of music, sci-fi and space science, dress up as your favourite character | Tickets $20.50

How She Made This: How to Innovate in Your Industry | 1875 Powell St. | April 29, 6:30 pm | Successful woman entrepreneurs share their stories about innovating in their industries | Tickets $15

Flavor Camp: Tequila Tasting | 225 West 8th #300 Ave. | May 4, 12 pm | Fun, interactive experience where you can learn about tequila through testing and education | Tickets $42

All About Gnocchi with Mamma Marzia | Italian Cultural Centre | April 29, 6 pm | Learn how to make three types of gnocchi | Tickets $118

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• The city is soliciting feedback on a blue-green system, including more park spaces on Alberta Street between West 37th and 45th Ave. [City of Vancouver]

• Love food and discovering new restaurants? Subscribe to Vancity Lookout’s free food newsletter in just one click. 

• Looking to get out of town? Flights to Maui are $168! [Vancouver is Awesome]

• Vancouver has a kids problem — not enough of them! Here are some ways the city could be more child-friendly. [Straight]

• Here’s a great video on Kingsgate Mall, which has been around for 50 years. [YouTube]

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.