All recreation centres in Delta can be transformed from a recreation centre model to more of a community centre model by having free, accessible and unprogrammed spaces for the community to gather.
That is one of several requests recently put forward by members of the Delta Community Action Team (DCAT), making a presentation on their report titled “The Toxic Drug Supply Crisis in Delta” to city council earlier this month.
The report identified several barriers that have made it difficult to address the local toxic drug crisis and promote substance use prevention in Delta.
Those barriers include limited access to services due to lack of availability or transportation issues, difficulties in collaborating with partners and a lack of safe and free spaces for young people to socialize and connect with peers and adults outside of school hours.
DCAT notes the recent actions taken by the city in support of a youth hub at the North Delta Recreation Centre, but is asking for the resource to be extended to all neighbourhoods across Delta, including widening the scope of recreation centres.
“This shift would offer a safe space for youth from all neighbourhoods, providing an alternative to wandering the streets and offering shelter, connection, and safety to those who may not have these in their homes. Examples are seen with neighbouring communities that offer lounge areas for unstructured community connection alongside regular recreational programming,” the report notes.
DCAT is also requesting access to youth counsellors within recreation centres.
“This invaluable initiative would increase access for connection to safe adults throughout Delta, which we know is essential for the well-being and resilience of young adults,” the report adds.
Noting it has identified Delta as having less access to services compared to other cities of similar size, demographics and impact of the toxic drug supply crisis, DCAT would like to see transportation efforts, such as the seniors’ bus, be extended to the population who are at risk.
Among other requests, DCAT is also asking that, building upon the city’s Reduce the Stigma campaign, Naloxone to be added to first aid kits in civic buildings.
The report notes that, according to the BC Coroners Service, Delta has reported the largest numbers of deaths related to substance use in its history over the past three years.
In 2023, Delta had 22 deaths and 142 suspected paramedic-attended toxic drug poisoning events, the report notes, adding the number of deaths last year was the second-highest number ever recorded, following 26 deaths and 22 deaths in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
“Unfortunately, stigma around substance use can cause harm to individuals and families and prevent them from accessing support. As a result, substance use in Delta is often hidden, making it difficult for people to be aware of the crisis and take action. It is important to note that the crisis impacts all communities in Delta,” the report states..
Council referred DCAT’s requests to staff who will follow-up with a report in the coming weeks.
