Yellowknife (July 21/06) - Deterrence, raising awareness and showing support for tougher sentences for those convicted of peddling drugs to kids are driving the creation of drug-free zones around the city.

The recommendation from the city's Yellowknife Area Policing Advisory Committee would amount to signs being posted in public places frequented by people under the age of 18, starting with school zones. The committee has recommended St. Patrick and Sir John Franklin schools be part of the pilot project.

"I hope that council will make this a reality by next school year," said Coun. Doug Witty.

However City Administrator Max Hall would not make any guarantee signs would be in place by this September.

As for decreasing drug use among youth, Mayor Gordon Van Tighem took a wait and see stance.

"It's a first step and a manageable one," he said. "With the right level of acceptance it could promote zero tolerance."

In its Monday presentation to the city's Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee, the advisory group cited the criminal code that considers aggravating factors such as proximity to school grounds in the sentencing of those convicted of drug-related offences.

Though this provision is already in the criminal code, the zones will still serve to raise overall awareness.

"The idea of it is to empower people to do more about the drug problem in these areas," said RCMP Const. Colleen Werrell, also a member of the advisory committee.

She likens the zones to Neighbourhood Watch programs.

"Eventually, there will be drug-free zones established around all the schools, but we're really in the developmental stages."

As well, the committee suggested the City pursue civil action against drug dealers who don't observe the zones.

"It's not part of this plan, but something that has been circulated for consideration," said Van Tighem, adding he would favour putting a sign at the city limits indicating all of Yellowknife was a drug-free zone.