HARM REDUCTION ON AGENDA

Re-directing the proceeds of crime, teaching kids about the dangers of
street racing and protecting health care in small communities - these and
other hot button issues will be addressed at a gathering of more than 100
municipalities later this month.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) is gearing up for its annual
convention beginning Sept. 22.

And Abbotsford council has also submitted a resolution, asking that "each
local government be permitted to make decisions on drug strategies with
autonomy, to reflect the views of its constituents."

Abbotsford's resolution identifies safe injection sites, needle exchanges,
free methadone clinics and mobile dispensing units as harm-reduction
strategies.

Each year, individual municipalities province-wide bring resolutions
forward to drum up support among their neighbors.

As a unified group, UBCM holds the power to influence decisions at the
provincial level.

Myriad issues are brought to the table each year in areas such as health
care, education and safety.

Surrey Coun. Diane Watts said her municipality will push for the proceeds
of crime - including the sale of confiscated property - to be at least
partially funnelled back into local law enforcement budgets, rather than be
taken entirely by federal and provincial governments. Surrey will also be
pushing for compulsory helmet use for skateboarders and roller bladers.

Another concern involves sweeping changes to liquor licensing, specifically
the move to allow bars to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.

A number of smaller municipalities have expressed concern for the social
and safety implications of the changes.