SCHOOLS NOW DRUG FREE ZONES

With the help of 80 signs posted around Dawson Creek and Pouce Coupe, local
schools are being staked out as drug free zones.

The signs designate a two-block radius around each school where anyone
caught with even a small quantity of illegal drugs or narcotics within
will be subject to a zero tolerance policy.

"The objective of the drug free zone area is to see if we can maximize the
penalties with the co-operation of the justice system for those that are
caught within the zone," said Dawson Creek RCMP Const. Geri Demyen.

They'll face penalties twice the norm and they won't be able to get away
with an unconditional discharge.

A ceremony acknowledging the start of the new rules was held Friday. Along
with representatives of the groups behind the effort, some grade seven
students from Central Middle School were on hand, and most were supportive
of the tough new measures.

"It's a great idea because if you're outside doing something or playing
with your friends, you're not going to be pressured into something you
don't want to do," said Katie Harris.

Michael Aven, meanwhile, said that drugs have no place in school and that
the zones will "help a lot."

Anja Mineault said there will be less peer pressure now. "If you're around
the school then you're not getting pressured to do drugs," she said.

Key to the campaign is making people aware of exactly what implications are
for drug free zones. Over the next few weeks, a media blitz will be
launched to get that message out.

Behind the effort are the school district, Dawson Creek RCMP, South Peace
Crime Prevention Association, City of Dawson Creek, and The Sign Shop, who
made a donation of signs for the effort.

"If it can keep one child off drugs, then it's well, well worth it," said
Leo Offerson of The Sign Shop.