Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to include two plebiscite questions on public drug use and involuntary care beds in the upcoming municipal election has been officially approved by the Vancouver council. The plebiscite questions will be presented to the city’s voters during the October municipal election.
Sim’s initiative to seek public input on enhancing the city’s regulations regarding “open-air hard drug use” and advocating for increased involuntary care treatment at a soon-to-be-shuttered hospital site has faced criticism from opponents who view it as a strategic move ahead of the election.
During a news conference alongside councillors from his majority ABC Vancouver slate, Sim announced plans to convene an emergency council meeting to incorporate the plebiscite questions into the ballot for Vancouver voters on October 17. He emphasized that involving voters in these crucial matters through an official process would provide a stronger mandate for the upcoming municipal government to tackle drug-related issues in the city.
Regarding the specifics of the proposed plebiscite questions, Sim did not elaborate on the exact bylaws that would be reinforced if the questions are approved by voters. He highlighted the importance of taking steps to improve the city and promised to provide further details on the matter.
One of the proposed plebiscite questions aims to address the conversion of parts of the St. Paul’s Hospital site in downtown Vancouver into a secure medical facility with acute voluntary and over 100 involuntary care beds. As St. Paul’s Hospital prepares to relocate to a new site in the False Creek Flats next year, the proposal seeks to address the need for such facilities within the city.
Opponents, including Vancouver Liberals mayoral candidate Kareem Allam, criticized Sim’s approach, stating that the lack of detailed information in the questions raises concerns. Allam, who previously served as Sim’s chief of staff, accused Sim of inconsistency on social services placement issues and dismissed the plebiscite questions as a political distraction.
City council members, including Coun. Pete Fry, who is running for mayor with the Green Party of Vancouver, expressed reservations about the proposal’s lack of specifics, particularly regarding the St. Paul’s Hospital site’s future under developer Concord Pacific’s ownership.
The approval of Sim’s proposed plebiscite questions occurred during an emergency meeting of the city council, as the council was on summer break. Fry criticized the plebiscite as a tactic to create division and speculated that its main purpose was to drive voter turnout, labeling it as a strategic move ahead of the election.