The Editor,
As a resident of Lancaster Street north of Lougheed Highway, I have noticed a dangerous trend the past few weeks that has me concerned.
On several occasions during walks through my neighbourhood, I have come across hypodermic needles discarded in the open. I am a long time resident of this area and have never found evidence of intravenous drug use during any neighbourhood walks before now.
In each instance, I have removed the syringes and disposed of them properly.
My purpose in writing this letter is not to condemn drug users but to bring awareness and advocate for more services in and around Port Coquitlam.
The obvious problem here is one of public safety. The transmission of blood-borne diseases through accidental puncture would be devastating, to say the least.
My neighbourhood has many families with small children that frequently go for strolls together, not to mention the dogs that walk with their owners daily. Both children and dogs would be curious about such devices and at risk of contracting diseases.
The bigger picture is that clearly this type of activity is beginning to occur in areas where previously it did not. Whether this is due to displacement of marginalized individuals to the suburbs or a new group of intravenous drug users developing in the Tri-Cities is unknown to me. Nonetheless it is happening and, therefore, needs to be addressed.
There is a distinct lack of services available to homeless and drug-addicted individuals in the Tri-Cities. It is my belief that it is time for the Tri-Cities to work together and develop an aggressive harm-reduction program for the benefit of residents and users alike. Until such time, there will continue to be dangerous reminders of a growing problem in and around our neighbourhoods.
Jay Reynolds, Port Coquitlam
