Langley Township is applying to the federal government for $850,000 to create a Community Safety Engagement Unit to respond to the toxic drug overdose crisis.
Council voted unanimously in favour of applying for the federal funds, at the Monday, Nov. 5 council meeting.
If the Township's application is successful, it plans to use the money for specialized training of bylaw officers in advanced mental health crisis training, and for purchasing equipment – including a vehicle for mobile outreach.
The team would work with other agencies, such as the Langley RCMP's Mental Health Unit and various federal and provincial organizations, said Chan Kooner, the Township's director of community planning and policy.
Councillor Barb Martens referenced her time as a Vancouver Police Department officer when she commented on the pilot project.
"I always think it's better if you have people from different agencies all working together," Martens said.
Coun. Margaret Kunst had questions about whether the program would continue after the federal funding is used up.
Kooner said if the program takes place, some of the funding will be used for studying how well it works. If it is continued, the Township could look at more federal funding or bring the project to the council as part of the budget process in a future year.
The Township, like many communities in Canada, has seen an increase in homelessness and a spike in deaths from fentanyl-laced street drugs in recent years.
