In recent times, Burnaby has been grappling with a rising issue of crimes involving bear spray, causing concern among residents, city officials, and law enforcement. A much-anticipated bylaw to regulate the sale and use of bear spray in the city is expected to be presented to the council early next year.
The Burnaby RCMP’s report revealed that between 2019 and 2023, there were over 400 incidents where bear spray was used as a weapon, primarily involving youth. Coun. Maita Santiago, working closely with the police and local businesses, highlighted the necessity of the proposed bylaw.
Santiago emphasized the growing trend of youth involvement in bear spray incidents, particularly in areas like Metropolis at Metrotown. The focus is also on educating at-risk youth to make informed decisions, alongside implementing stricter regulations on the sale of bear spray.
The proposed bylaw aims to mandate detailed record-keeping by merchants selling bear spray and prohibits sales to individuals under 19. Despite recent incidents in Metrotown, Santiago reassured the public about the safety measures in place, similar to those in neighboring municipalities.
Law enforcement officials, including Cpl. Mike Kalanj, are actively patrolling hotspot areas like Metrotown to prevent and respond to bear spray-related incidents. The impact of bear spray exposure can be severe, leading to pain, temporary blindness, skin burns, and respiratory issues.
As the police intensify efforts to combat bear spray crimes, local businesses like Tricia Hill’s Stoxx Thrift & Vintage have been adversely affected. Hill shared a harrowing experience of her family being exposed to bear spray in her store, underscoring the need for better follow-up protocols and increased security measures in the mall.
Keyphrase: bear spray incidents