DRUG MONEY PLEDGE DEFERRED

Langley Township council wants more information about a drug
treatment program, both from staff and the school board, before it
agrees to share costs with the school district.

The DEWY (The Day, Evening, Weekend for Youth) program, was run as a
pilot project here in 2004, under the Fraser Health Authority, for
youth aged 13 to 18, addicted to any drug.

Councillor Kim Richter had moved that council inform the school
district of its willingness to partner on implementing a pilot DEWY
program and to participate in a community-wide "Meth Watch" awareness campaign.

The motion also asked that the costs of participating be referred to
the budget process for inclusion in 2006.

Mayor Kurt Alberts said the Township was facing "huge challenges" in
its deliberations, and without known costs, he couldn't support the motion.

Alberts said the Township should not "just step up to the plate for
more provincial downloading."

Councillor Mel Kositsky said he would support deferral.

"We really need to look into the background of this program," said
Kositsky, adding that a presentation from the school board, outlining
the district's plans, should be sought.

The motion was deferred for additional information from staff and the
school board, with Richter and Councillor Bob Long opposed.