Vancouver approves $2 million to help frontline workers address overdose crisis

VANCOUVER — Councillors in Vancouver have approved more than $2 million in measures aimed at addressing the ongoing illicit drug overdose crisis.

The money will fund addictions and mental health training for city staff, the creation of a new community policing centre, and continued support for a mobile-medical clinic at a firehall on the Downtown Eastside.

Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement that the spending represents the city’s first phase in providing support to frontline workers.

Council approved a 0.5 per cent property tax increase in December, and it is expected to bring in $3.5 million dedicated to fighting the crisis, which claimed 215 lives in Vancouver last year.