POLICE TARGET DRUGS, NOT TOILETS

The Vancouver police department is not seeking the closure of the
public washrooms at Main and Hastings (Public washrooms at the
crossroads, Insight, Oct.14). However, we would like to see the
removal of the overhead structure, and a redesign of the outdoor
space on the east side of the Carnegie Centre. Research conducted by
the city hall engineering department confirms that the washrooms are
frequently used on a daily basis and provide a valuable service to
the community.

We believe that a redesign of the public space using Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design principles will increase the visibility
of this public space and reduce open drug use.

For the past two years we have been working with staff at the
Carnegie Centre, community members and City Hall staff regarding the
redesign of the corner of Main and Hastings. Our objective is to
close the open drug market there. We have developed a firm draft of
a design which will be going out for consultation with the community
over the next month. We were pleased that the first announcement of
the Vancouver Agreement included the redesign of Main and Hastings,
which is at the very heart of the community.