PAYPHONE DEBATE CONTINUES AS SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL ASKED FOR INPUT

The North Shore Citizens Safety Patrol made a call - but has yet to
have someone at the city answer.

The group wants the payphone at 480 Tranquille Rd. removed, arguing it
is a magnet for drug dealers, drug addicts and prostitutes, all of
whom plug quarters into the box to conduct illicit business.

But city council has decided to leave the phone where it is for now -
pending input from the city's social planning council.

However, that decision surprised Ray Jolicoeur, the social planning
council's chairman.

"I have no idea what they expect us to do about a payphone," he said,
noting he was surprised city council couldn't make a decision.

Jolicoeur said social agencies will likely say the phone needs to
stay, while businesses will argue it should go.

"If the phone is there and can be of use in an extreme circumstance
just once to help somebody, as far as I'm concerned, it's worth it,"
he said.

Betty Nelson, co-ordinator of the safety patrol, argued removing the
phone will send a strong message that the city and its citizens will
not provide the service for illegal activities.

The city had removed two payphones in 2006 that were being used for
the same purpose.

"If the phone isn't working, you don't have the crowds of people
hanging around," Nelson said.

In July, a city report had called for the removal of the 12 outdoor
payphones in the city centre, citing an increase in the use of the
phones for prostitution and drug trafficking.

Council decided to defer the decision.

Coun. Tina Lange isn't in favour of removing the phones, arguing to do
so is to apply a Band-aid solution to the real problem of drug
trafficking.

"Taking the phones out isn't going to stop the undesirable behaviour,"
she said.

"It's simply going to move it."

Lange added she is concerned for seniors or children who might need to
use the phone to call for a ride.