The Province is pushing ahead with reintroducing legislation entitled ‘the Safer Municipalities Act’, which would give municipalities and police stronger tools to address drug use and homeless encampments in public spaces.
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith (above) tells us the government has heard from communities and leaders from across Ontario and that they want municipal spaces used for what they were created for – the enjoyment of the public:
Audio PlayerIf passed, the Act would also include increased penalties for people who repeatedly trespass or refuse to leave public areas when asked to and allow police to order people to stop using illegal drugs in public. The fines for this latter infraction could be up to $10,000 or up to six months jail time.
The Act is currently going through the second reading process.
