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

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. 

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:

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. 

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

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.

WATCH | How a formerly homeless man treats the people he meets on the streets

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: