NEEDLE EXCHANGE NO NEIGHBOUR FOR SCHOOL

Bruce Carter, chamber of commerce CEO, respects the "tough decision"
made by city council to relocate the needle exchange for the "benefit
of the entire community."

He fails to mention that the city council and the Vancouver Island
Health Authority plan to relocate the needle exchange just half a
block from St. Andrew's Elementary School.

Perhaps our children are not being considered as members of the
community because they are not old enough to vote yet.

Usually, a decision that affects the whole community includes
community consultation.

St. Andrew's learned about this decision on the front page of the
Times Colonist.

St. Andrew's Elementary School has been located on Pandora Avenue for
more than 100 years and is a compassionate and deeply caring presence,
a beacon of hope that reaches out to the street people with love and
practical support. Locating a needle exchange where young children can
be exposed to used needles and other dangers is not returning that
care and compassion to the youngest members of society.

Is there any other needle exchange anywhere in Canada that is located
so close to a school? City council and VIHA wouldn't think of locating
the exchange so close to a public school because there would be a
massive public outcry.

Colleen Lissamer

View Royal