CITY-RUN ADDICT SQUATS AREN'T THE ANSWER

Douglas Todd's column about NIABYs is a perfect example why some
might consider it prudent to stay out of public life. Dripping
sanctimony like molasses from a cold barrel, he compares people who
worry about increasing crime in the neighbourhood to Americans who
oppose illegal aliens and Republicans who run hate ads.

Vancouver has become the crime capital of Canada. Addiction has a lot
to do with it. The problems in the Downtown Eastside spiral out of
control. City hall has compounded the problem by closing down
existing housing and forcing more people into the streets. Meanwhile,
Mayor Sam Sullivan, between mumbles about eco-density, tells us that
city hall has acquired 19 sites -- east side, west side and all
around the town.

So there you have it. We are privileged to be part of the great
metastasizing of addiction.

If I were confident that city hall and the Coastal Health Authority
had an effective program to treat addicts in each neighbourhood, that
would be one thing. I would support a residential treatment facility
with doctors, nurses and other health professionals. I do not
believe, however, that the city knows what it is doing on this issue.
Until I am assured that the treatment offered will be effective and
the neighbourhood will be safe, I will support NIABY in its efforts
to demand something better than city-run addict squats.

Jonathan Baker

Vancouver