The stories have stayed the same over the past few years. Tragedy strikes as the top story follows of someone inadvertently being pricked by a discarded used needle. I can already imagine it. I have taken my three kids down to the local park to burn off their boundless energy. Laughter changes to screams followed by a mad rush to the emergency room.

What are we supposed to do about used needles? They are everywhere! In 2017 the Newton BIA collected 2000 needles through our static collection boxes that have been installed throughout the town center. But this program is not city wide. Mobile contracts are out on patrol most days and the stats seem to be maintaining the increasing epidemic. I can tell you with certainty that any parent would be furious if you told them that we are doing our best. Its just a matter of time before one of these stories hits close to home.

Drug use does not seem to be going away. Do we have a lack of education for users that they need to dispose of their needles safely? I doubt they are concerned with the wellbeing of society. Can we afford more collection programs or can we afford not to. Last year funding for the Rig Dig program was threatened, which would of seen the 21,000 needles they collected in Whalley end up in the local parks or the front door of City Hall.

Presently, we do not have any boxes in our civic parks or transit locations. The City of Edmonton has a progressive model with numerous collection boxes throughout the city. Is there more that we could be doing? All I know is that we need to proactive on this issue.

Cheers,

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