RED ZONES EXPANDED TO RIVERSIDE, PIONEER PARKS

Kamloops RCMP have expanded the downtown red zone into Riverside and
Pioneer parks, a move one social activist called a "slippery slope"
when it comes to violating civil liberties.

"It's an effective tool, but it can be dangerous when it comes to
civil liberties," Bob Hughes, executive director of the ASK Wellness
Centre, said Wednesday. "Are we going to end up red zoning the whole
city?"

But Kamloops RCMP Yves Lacasse promises only those who engage in
violent and drug offences will be banned from the parks.

"It's about crimes that are impacting the safety of our community and
our public," he said.

The downtown red zone was expanded shortly after Lacasse proposed the
move at a City co-ordinated task force meeting last month. He said the
Crown, which can impose the ban when someone is charged or convicted
of a crime, also supported his proposal.

RCMP have created two red zones in Kamloops - one at the Tranquille
Market area of the North Shore and one downtown. Riverside Park - has
been the site of drug deals, assaults and other crimes, so Lacasse
felt it was time to expand.

He said Pioneer is included because the parks are connected.

Hughes has his reservations despite the Tranquille Road red zone being
an effective deterrent to the drug and sex trade. He said that part of
North Kamloops was in chaos before RCMP created the red zone in 2007,
but worries they can be misused.

"At what point do you stop with the displacement of people you've
identified as needing to be red zoned," said Hughes. "I'd hate to that
being applied to someone who is homeless."

Lacasse understands Hughes's concerns. He said red zones aren't
created to punish the homeless or those who loiter in the park, but to
prevent drug-related and violent crimes.

He said allowances are made for those who need to attend medical
appointments or meet with social agencies. That shouldn't be an issue
because it is a park.

Mayor Peter Milobar supports the expansion. He said there are concerns
red zones push the criminal element to other parts of the city but
they need to be balanced with a community standard that doesn't
tolerate certain behaviour.

"If you're not breaking any laws, or even been accused of breaking any
laws, you have no reason to worry about the red zone," said Milobar.