In Mayor Banman's eyes, "true harm reduction is getting people off drugs."

"If you're going to say to me that I'm putting people in harm's way because I'm not doing something right, if there's that big of a problem in this community, then detox needs to be part of the solution. If they're not part of the solution then all Fraser Health is doing is just overturning the apple cart as far as I'm concerned. You're not going to put my community through this kind of turmoil and not offer a decent solution to this as well."

'This should not be a political issue'

Members of the public were not able to speak at Monday's meeting, their participation limited to applause and hushed discussion from the theatre. Mayor Banman said that a public consultation session is being arranged by city hall. This will likely take place in the next couple months.

"I would not put a health service up to a popular vote," said Portesi. "This health service of harm reduction is not popular for a variety of reasons but the fact is it serves a very marginalized part of our community that at the end of the day is still very much a part of the community. So my belief is that this should not be a political issue but a health care delivery issue."

Dr. Evan Wood echoes Portesi's sentiments. "It's like having public forums to decide whether doing hip replacements for elderly people that have fractured hips is a good idea. I simply can't think of another health issue where the evidence is so clear, but it's being opened up for debate."

Working out of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, Dr. Wood is a heavily published health researcher. Among his many ventures, he is an associate editor of the International Journal of Drug Policy and an advocate for evidence-based drug policy.

Wood cites that needle exchanges are a proven and cost effective intervention, universally recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations -- with notable support from the UN's largest crime organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

"It doesn't really seem appropriate to have public forums debating the merits of whether local municipalities should be preventing the spread of HIV. I think individuals are being elected with the assumption that they will protect community health and safety... Unfortunately, I think some politicians out there have been living in a bubble and simply must not be aware of the universal recommendations coming out of the United Nations and other international public health and safety organizations."

A brisk market for needles

Regardless of the outcome of this bylaw debate, the distribution and collection of needles in Abbotsford is increasing exponentially. A freshly drafted memorandum of understanding has brought together a coalition of local service providers and organizations that have committed to provide harm reduction services regardless of the bylaw. By supplying needles and other materials to drug users these distributors will be at risk of being fined by police and/or bylaw officers.

Fraser Health has committed limited funding to support this coalition in their efforts.

The increase of harm reduction supplies for Abbotsford drug users will likely reduce the black market buying and selling of needles that has emerged on the downtown streets.

Christine Reid, member of the Drug War Survivors, says she makes it a habit to carry clean needles when she goes downtown, even though she's not an intravenous user. She says she carries them to keep people safe.

"I've been offered 20 bucks for a new one at night. I say I don't want your money but I'll find you a new one. You know, they will beg people to go get them a new one."

There has been no known enforcement of the anti-harm-reduction bylaw to date. Still, during Monday's meeting Mayor Banman, recognizing that he is only one of nine on council, declared that council has the right to keep the bylaw on the books if it chooses.

After the meeting had ended, Banman was asked for his reaction. He said nothing presented had changed his perspective.