Ban Supervised Drug Sites Near Schools

Summary#

Bill C-272 would change Canada’s federal drug law to set a buffer zone around places used by children. It would stop the federal government from approving supervised drug consumption services within 500 metres of an elementary or secondary school, a daycare, or a playground.

Key points:

• Creates a 500‑metre no‑go zone for supervised drug consumption services around schools, daycares, and playgrounds.
• Applies to services where people consume illegal (non‑prescribed) drugs under supervision.
• Health Canada could not approve new sites in these zones.
• Existing approvals for fixed sites in these zones would be revoked when the law takes effect.
• Mobile services (like vans) could not operate within 500 metres of these places.
• Takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.

What it means for you#

• People who use drugs

  • If your local supervised consumption site is within 500 metres of a school, daycare, or playground, it would have to move or close.
  • Mobile services would not be allowed to park or operate within 500 metres of those places.
  • You may need to travel farther to reach supervised services if nearby sites must relocate.

• Families and nearby residents

  • You would not see supervised consumption services operating within 500 metres of schools, daycares, or playgrounds.
  • This sets a clear distance rule that applies the same way across the country.

• Site operators and health providers

  • You would need to check your location. Fixed sites inside the 500‑metre zone would lose federal approval when the law takes effect and would need to relocate or close.
  • Mobile services would need to adjust routes to stay outside the 500‑metre zones.
  • New applications could not be approved for locations inside these zones.

• Local governments and community groups

  • You may need to work with operators to find compliant locations outside the 500‑metre zones.
  • Planning for service coverage may shift if current sites must move.

• Law enforcement

  • A clear, national distance rule would apply to supervised consumption services.
  • Sites operating within the buffer would no longer have federal approval once the law is in force.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Keeps supervised drug use away from places where children learn and play.
• Sets a clear, national standard so parents and communities know the rules.
• Does not ban supervised consumption services; it allows them to operate outside the 500‑metre zones.
• May reduce safety concerns and disorder reported near some sites.
• Ensures mobile services also keep distance from schools, daycares, and playgrounds.

Opponents' View#

• Could force closures or relocations, reducing access to life‑saving services for people who use drugs.
• A 500‑metre buffer may rule out many central locations, especially in dense cities with many schools and parks.
• Longer travel to services may lead to more public drug use or overdoses if people cannot reach help in time.
• Moving sites can take time and money, creating gaps in service.
• A one‑size‑fits‑all federal rule may conflict with local public health plans and community needs.