B.C. agency to handle complaints about neighbourhood crack shacks, party houses

VICTORIA – B.C.’s justice minister says new legislation will allow people to report so-called crack shacks and other problem properties in their neighbourhood to a new agency rather than police.

Shirley Bond says the yet-to-be named agency will be created as part of the Community Safety Act, which she will introduce today.

She says the agency will contact the property owner and residents about local complaints including party houses, drugs and prostitution.

Bond says charges could result if the issues are not resolved.

Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich says problem locations can impact an entire neighbourhood.

Bond says she’s also introducing legislation to make it easier for volunteer agencies that work with vulnerable children and adults to conduct criminal record checks on their volunteers.