DRUG STRATEGY NEEDS COHESIVE ACTION: LOWE

Most Victorians support the city's new ideas in dealing with a growing drug
and homelessness problem, according to a recently released report.

But that support is not strong enough to prove to the province and federal
governments that Victoria is ready to back a supervised injection site, or
any number of new solutions, Mayor Alan Lowe said.

"We need a stronger front," Lowe said. "Yes, it is time to make decisions,
but the more people who are aware of the strategy, the more support it'll
have."

Lowe said several presentations are planned in August and September to
organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.

"We'll present to anyone who wants us to come," Lowe said.

The report that found general support among residents was a result of
surveys taken during four public information sessions held in May and early
June. The city, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and various street
outreach groups made presentations about harm reduction strategies, which
focus on keeping addicts alive while their social, mental and health
problems are dealt with.

The concept has met some opposition here and abroad because some say it
condones drug use, such as through a supervised injection site.

Officials have not yet settled on what services would be included in a new
facility. It could mean co-ordinating funding for existing services like the
needle exchange program, shelters and social housing projects. It could also
involve a single facility with services such as the needle exchange, mental
health and addictions counselling and a supervised injection site.

The report, which went to council last week, found that 46 per cent of the
public who attended the meetings were "pleasantly surprised" by what they
heard.

In addition, 41 per cent were "more favourably inclined" toward harm
reduction strategies after the meetings.

Only one of the 125 audience members who responded to the survey reported
being "less favourably inclined" towards harm reduction strategies after the
meeting.

City council referred that report, and a second one that analysed Victoria's
homelessness and drug use problem using previous studies, to VIHA, Victoria
Police, five city advisory committees, the Victoria Steering Committee to
Address Homelessness and the Downtown Service Providers.

Beyond that, the reports have been sent to three business associations, the
city's neighbourhood associations and neighbouring municipalities.

The reports were sent to so many other groups so they have a chance to give
feedback before the process moves forward, according to the city's manager
of community development.

"The fact that council has referred the reports to other committees shows
how intricate this issue is," said Wendy Zink.

Lowe said the various groups and business associations will provide feedback
until September, when more information meetings will be held.

"We're hoping to have an action plan ready for October," Lowe said.