METH TASK FORCE EXPANDS SCOPE

The Maple Ridge crystal meth task force is expanding its mandate to
include all addictions and mental illness.

Doing so doesn't mean a name change for the group, which formed in
2004 to tackle a surge in crystal meth addiction among homeless people
and youth in the community.

"I think that would create serious problems if we change the name of
the task force that has been funded provincially," said task force
chair Mary Robson.

Since forming three years ago, the task force has found that many
clients suffer from a mental illness and that their addictions span
several drugs.

The new mandate makes a role the task force has always done clearer,
Robson added.

"It seems silly that we have to do that, but it just makes people
understand what the task force has been doing and is all about."

By broadening its role, the task force hopes to make a final
push.

"Maple Ridge has led the way all along and we can lead the way again,"
Robson said, pointing to a drop in the number of homeless people as a
gauge of task force's success.

An official homeless count for 2005 by the Social Planning and
Research Council of B.C. (SPARC) showed 42 homeless people living in
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows when the count was done that summer. A
count in 2002 showed 62 homeless people.

Robson said local outreach workers report the number dropped to 20
this year.

"When we started, we were over 200. If we are at 20 can, can we be
zero and can we catch them before they fall?"

Jan. 15 will mark the task force's first meeting of the New Year and
the start of a 90-day campaign to see what more can be done to combat
addictions and deal with mental illness.

"I think because of the action the community has taken crystal meth is
a dirty word on the streets. Yet, for one moment, I don't think we
have it beat," Robson said.

Ron Lawrance, executive director of Alouette Addictions, is excited to
hear what the task force has planned and is looking forward to working
with them.

He said crystal meth has yet to become a huge problem in Maple Ridge,
but added the task force did the right thing by trying to target one
drug.

"Any initiative that's happening that's looking at what's going on in
our community and trying to provide solutions. Alouette Addictions is
excited about being a part of it," Lawrance said.