The Kamloops councillor behind the City’s push to ban public drug use says the City is prepared to go ahead on its own, if the UBCM resolution expected to pass today isn’t with they want.

Speaking ahead of the vote to ask government to expand a ban on drug possession and use in public places where children gather, Katie Neustaeter acknowledged new provincial amendments that came into effect this week.

She says that now reinstated ban – that outlaws drug use within 15 metres of playgrounds, pools, and skate parks could lead to more lively debate at UBCM.

“A lot of conversation left, but I am more than happy to stick to our guns when it comes to what we are hearing from residents of Kamloops as far as decriminalization is concerned and open drug use,” Neustaeter said on the NL Noon Report.

“I don’t know where we are going to end up, and we’ll determine that in real time.”

“What I expect to see from this resolution is that there will be some amendments made because it was before that legislation [from the province],” Neustaeter added. “I’m curious to see how the debate goes on that and where we end up, but I’d be surprised to see if it wasn’t amended to reflect what municipalities are saying more.”

Kamloops council gave three readings to a bylaw amendment to ban public drug use within 100-metres of parks, playgrounds, beaches and public buildings as well as on city sidewalks.

It is not clear when the fourth and final reading – needed under municipal rules before the bylaw can be enforced – may happen, as the City is anticipating push back as the B.C. government prepares its own legislation for the fall sitting.

“I individually at this moment, haven’t heard anything that would persuade me to change that,” Neustaeter added.

“I have yet to hear anything that explains to me how our concerns will be address though any of these provincial measures. I’m grateful for them. I’m grateful the province heard us but I certainly don’t think that it actually meets the need.”

“Overdose deaths are not going down, we’re not seeing safe supply make things very much safer,” she added.

“We are not seeing fewer people using openly, and we don’t have treatment centres yet, or purpose built complex care in Kamloops. So until those things start coming forward, I’m not sure why we would be persuaded but I’m open to the conversation.”