MAYOR OPTIMISTIC ABOUT INSITE

It wasn't a resounding seal of approval for InSite, Vancouver's safe
injection site, but Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe says Ottawa's decision
to extend the pilot project until Dec. 31 bodes well for plans to
bring a similar facility to Victoria.

"There's still a glimmer of hope for an SIS in Victoria in the
future," Lowe said.

In July the city announced a major research project aimed at building
a case for safe injection site in Victoria.

The city plans to apply to Health Canada next spring for an exemption
under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the same
exemption that allow Vancouver's safe injection site to operate, Lowe said.