DRUG DEN PAYBACK FEARED

A man who alerted city council to an alleged drug den in Brocklehurst
fears for the safety of his family after going public with his concerns.

"I stuck my nose out here. My family is at risk. These are evil
people," Brian Nowicki told city council Tuesday.

But his frustration with the alleged drug den, the discarded needles
and the unsightly property drove him to go public.

"This is an illegal situation. This is Canada - come on!" he implored
municipal politicians.

City hall is well aware of the house on Westgate Street, and it is on
the "watch list" of the RCMP.

"You are looking at a place that is going in and out of a state of
untidiness," said community and corporate affairs director Len Hrycan.

A slew of complaints, fines and tickets have been issued over the
years, as has one court action.

But the problem persists.

"Is it on top of our list?" RCMP Supt. Jim Begley asked councillors.

"I can't say that."

He did say, however, that the Westgate property is one of the eight
to 10 properties on which the RCMP is keeping an eye.

Council voted unanimously to enforce its bylaws dealing with
unsightly properties and the number of boarder and residents living
on the property.

City staff was also directed to deal with any unlicensed vehicles
left on the property.