Scores rally against supportive housing, B.C. drug policy in Richmond – BC [Video]

More than 100 people turned out in Richmond Monday morning for a rally against the B.C. government’s public safety and drug decriminalization policies.

The ‘Keep Richmond Safe’ rally at city hall came just days after the city scrapped plans for a controversial supportive housing facility.

Attendees at Monday’s rally delivered a clear message: they oppose low-barrier housing in their neighbourhoods.

“The low-barrier (housing) is contributing the drug problems that are affecting communities,” Sheldon Starrett with Keep Richmond Safe said.

“Here in Richmond there is already still two low-barrier housing sites and they are causing considerable problems in neighbourhoods where they have been erected.”

Protesters said that while the city has cancelled the planned 90-unit housing project at Cambie and Sexmith roads, they fear the province will resurrect it.

BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, who attended the event with MLAs, said residents are frustrated with the BC NDP government’s approach to drugs, including harm …