BOOM'S DARK SIDE WORRIES PUBLIC

Task Force Hears Concerns Over Rise In Drug Use, Crime

Albertans believe the province's economic boom has a dark side -- and
that crime and drug use are among the fallout, says the chairwoman of
a provincial task force on crime and community safety.

Reporting on the task group's recent tour of the province,
Calgary-Fish Creek MLA Heather Forsyth said Tuesday that Albertans
everywhere mentioned the economy as having "a significant effect on crime."

"People said that in the midst of economic prosperity, there is a
dark side," Forsyth told a Calgary audience.

"The most common concern raised in every community we visited was
drugs and alcohol abuse. In fact, in many communities, people said
that substance abuse and the availability (of drugs) is at the heart of crime."

The comments were made to about 100 delegates meeting in Calgary for
a two-day symposium on reducing crime. They are working on potential
strategies for the government's Crime Reduction and Safe Communities
Task Force. The nine-member group has had input from more than 1,700
Albertans since April.

It will deliver its final report to Justice Minister Ron Stevens in the fall.

Forsyth said while Albertans who met with the task force typically
felt their communities are fairly safe, they also said there are
places they wouldn't walk at night.

She detailed a long list of issues raised by Albertans, from graffiti
and vandalism to drug abuse and gang warfare. But drugs and alcohol
emerged as a common theme.

Forsyth said they heard alcohol is the first drug of choice, while
cocaine and crack cocaine were often second.

The task force heard about concerns that newcomers working in
boomtown communities often feel disconnected from the area.

With plenty of disposable income and no family, some of them turn to drugs.

Karen Gariepy, who leads Grande Prairie's Community Action on Crime
Prevention program, said her city is working hard to make new
residents feel part of the community.

"Our small-town feeling from 10 years ago, people want it back," Gariepy said.

Alberta's big cities are also grappling with the downside of the boom.

"With a growing economy like this, it does attract the negative
element of growth -- and that is people who are involved in drug
activity," Mayor Dave Bronconnier said at City Hall.

Roland Lahaye, who runs a private treatment clinic in Calgary and
attended Tuesday's symposium, said that in the last three years he
has witnessed an "explosion" of cocaine and crack cocaine clients.

"They're talking about using this to energize themselves -- and part
of it because they're working 14 hours a day . . . and they're just
dragged right out," Lahaye said.

Forsyth said another fundamental theme related to crime was stress on families.

She said the task force heard "over and over" that with both parents
working to make ends meet, children are increasingly being left alone
to fend for themselves.

"As a result, family relationships are breaking down," Forsyth said.

The crime-reduction symposium continues today in Calgary.