â–º Listen Live
â–º Listen Live

City council supports Lethbridge Chamber policy on local drug crisis

Lethbridge City Council voting unanimously to support a new policy from the local Chamber of Commerce called “The Economics of Addiction.”

It was released about a month ago in response to several businesses and community members raising concerns over how the supervised consumption site, and the drug crisis in general, is affecting them.

Executive Officer, Cyndi Vos, compares the supports that Lethbridge is missing, to the legs of a chair, saying the current approach is very unbalanced with only the supervised consumption leg.

“It’s clear the City of Lethbridge needs a comprehensive drug strategy that includes intox, detox, and supportive housing. There are multiple municipalities that showcase how this model works and how they are experiencing positive outcomes in their communities.”, says Vos.

The chamber’s policy calls for funding for those missing supports she mentioned to Council.

Vos says certainly there is a role we can all play, individually and cooperatively, in preventing substance use. “Among other things, I see the Chamber’s role as that of a convener, to bring local businesses, stakeholders, and policymakers together to discuss the impact of the drug crisis in a way that influences a better outcome for all Lethbridge residents.”

Since releasing this policy in July, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce has advocated for intox, detox and supportive housing to all three levels of government, in addition to initiating contact with existing stakeholders and the business community.

(With files from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce)

Tina Karst
Tina Karst
A Lethbridge College alumnus, Tina moved back to the community two years after convocation, in September 2007, to become a member of the CJOC News Team. She started as a weekend reporter/anchor and now serves as Associate News Director. When Tina's not tracking down local news, she's either busy at home with Jordan and their two kids or creating custom macrame pieces for a growing list of clients.
- Advertisement -

cjoc Now playing play

ckbd Now playing play

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

MyCityCare collecting backpacks and school supplies for local students

MyCityCare is collecting backpack and school supply donations ahead of the 2025-26 school year.

Taber hosts 2025 Southern Alberta Summer Games

Taber will be bustling with Albertans athletes for the next few days. The community plays host to the 2025 Southern Alberta Summer Games. 

98.1 The Ranch’s Legendary Breakfast

The Ranch's Legendary Breakfast - brought to you by Beltone Hearing Centre highlights all the biggest country music hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's.

The Ranch’s 90’s at 9

Brought to you by Meyers Original Food and Feed...

UPDATE: Police locate two men in connection with sexual assault investigation

Police in Lethbridge are asking for help with an ongoing sexual assault investigation. 
- Advertisement -