FIXED NEEDLE EXCHANGE SITE FAR FROM REALITY

Two buildings have been looked at as possible fixed sites for
Victoria's needle exchange services, but nothing suitable has yet been found.

"So far, I can tell you we've had nothing that's even remotely
promising," said Shannon Turner, director of public health with the
Vancouver Island Health Authority.

Turner has received phone calls from people "with all kinds of
outlandish tales," reporting they've heard a fixed site would be
opening in specific locations around the city.

Victoria's only fixed needle exchange, run for VIHA by service
provider AIDS Vancouver Island on Cormorant Street, closed at the end
of May after being dogged by controversy over public disorder outside
its doors.

Since then, AVI has operated a mobile exchange service, but
statistics released last month showed the number of needles being
handed out plummeted after the fixed site closed.

A plan to re-open a fixed site in the former St. John Ambulance
building at 941 Pandora Ave. was placed on hold in the face of public
opposition to locating the service close to the neighbouring St.
Andrew's elementary school and Victoria Conservatory of Music.

While the health authority is open to suggestions for sites, it
remains focused on supporting the mobile service and hasn't put
resources into a building hunt, beyond cursory looks.

"I might hear of a building and one drive-by tells me that it's
totally inappropriate," said Turner.

She didn't say which buildings have been viewed.

If a potential site is found, it will be considered through the
newly-formed Needle Exchange Advisory Committee - it includes
representatives from Victoria's community associations, police and
city staff - before any action is taken, Turner said.

"We are trying to be a responsible and accountable partner here
within the community."

AVI communications director Andrea Langlois said that while the
mobile exchange has been operating on a trial basis, the
organization's goal has remained the same.

"We've always said this city needs a fixed needle exchange and we
will continue to look for one," she said, noting Victoria is the only
city of its size in Canada that lacks such a service. "We know ...
that to have a place where people can go and access health services,
as well as (a) needle exchange, as well as some support and advocacy
- - that is essential for Victoria."

AVI's mobile service includes a van that parks at the corner of
Princess and Government streets, plus foot- and bicycle-based teams
that travel around downtown.

Circulating vans that followed a route around Rock Bay were dropped
from the service after they weren't found to be finding their client
base. The vehicles remain in AVI's inventory and can be used to
deliver needles to clients who call in.

In an update to Victoria city council two weeks ago, AVI expressed
concern that cold, wet weather could hurt the effectiveness of the
foot and bike patrols.