3 perspectives on (open) drug use on London's streets

CBC News | Posted: November 3, 2024 10:00 AM | Last Updated: November 3

Image | Three perspectives on open drug use

Caption: Marc Henderson, Rosemary Van Gelderen and Chief Thai Truong. (CBC News)

An uptick in visible drug use on the city's streets has some Londoners expressing safety concerns while businesses are saying they're fed up and others paying for security guards to crack down on the problem.

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This week, CBC's London Morning radio program heard from three people who understand the impact of drug use on individuals, families, and community well being. Here are their perspectives:

Thai Truong, London's police chief

Chief Thai Truong has said he wants to improve safety, and has more financial resources at his disposal than ever before to do so. The police foot patrol is a mainstay on Dundas Street, and last week, the London Police Service announced it had hired 19 special constables to improve response times.

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But Truong admits, when it comes to open drug use, the public perception is that officers don't respond. Asked why more arrests aren't made when police see people smoking and injecting drugs in public places, here's what he had to say:

WATCH | London's police chief on dealing with open drug use

Media Video | 'You can't arrest your way out of this' says London Police chief on open drug use

Caption: Police Chief Thai Truong has promised to improve community safety, including addressing rampant open drug use in the downtown and Old East Village. Here are his thoughts on when arrests are warranted for people using in public.

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Marc Henderson, recovering drug user and current outreach worker

For nearly a decade, Marc Henderson lived on and off the streets using drugs and struggling with mental health challenges. He's been sober since March 2023 and is now an outreach worker in London, helping people living rough.

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Media Video | Former drug user-turned outreach worker on meeting people today who use

Caption: Marc Henderson knows what it's like to be addicted and homeless. He lived it for years. In 2023, he got sobre. His life has changed, including getting a job working with people on London's streets.

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Rosemary Van Gelderen, mother of homeless daughter with addiction issues

Image | Rosemary Van Gelderen

Caption: Rosemary Van Gelderen's daughter is one of an estimated 2,000 people living unhoused on London's streets in the fall of 2024. (Submitted)

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Rosemary Van Gelderen has become an advocate for people who live on the street. One of her daughters lives rough with her partner. Van Gelderen says city councillors have to give people a safe place to go for the night where they feel secure and able to rest.

LISTEN:

Media Audio | London Morning : Mother of a homeless daughter speaks out

Caption: Rosemary Van Gelderen's daughter is one of an estimated 2,000 people living unhoused on London's streets. Van Gelderen opened up to London Morning about what it's like to have a child living rough and what she would like to see happen to help those who are unhoused as winter approaches.

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