CLINIC CONCERNS CONTINUE

Old City Quarter businesses are adamant about their opposition to a
health clinic and needle exchange moving into their
neighbourhood.

"The bottom line is we're not happy and we don't want it here," said
Eric McLean, president of the Old City Quarter Association.

Association members met with the Safer Downtown Working Group, Nanaimo
Area Resource Services for Families and city staff Wednesday to
discuss the clinic's move to Franklyn Street.

McLean said although the association remains opposed, it will continue
to discuss the issue with the parties involved.

Prior to the meeting, McLean said the association would pursue zoning
as a means to oppose the move, but Coun. Merv Unger, co-chairman of
the Safer Downtown group, said since the property is zoned for that
use, there are limited options.

Unger said the groups will continue to develop a Good Neighbour
Agreement, with help from John Horn, the city's social planner.

Jane Templeman, a consultant for NARSF, said she hopes to move forward
with the agreement, adding the organization is working to address
security and behaviour expectations.

NARSF is speaking to clients about how to make the transition more
successful and will also explore lighting, fencing and hours of
operation to address neighbours' concerns.

NARSF is also communicating with the school district, Tillicum House,
the John Howard Society, and the RCMP to make the transition.

Templeman said there is also a misunderstanding about the services
offered at the Harris House Health Clinic.

A needle exchange is only a small piece of the services offered, she
said. The clinic offers comprehensive health services including
counselling, referrals to other health services and mental health and
addictions services.

NARSF has prepared and distributed information about the services
available at the clinic.

But the Old City Quarter remains upset about the lack of prior
consultation by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, which contracts
to NARSF, over the move.

"We expected VIHA to let us know and involve us in some process before
anything had started," said McLean. "We feel upset not being
consulted. It shows lack of respect."

Richard Stanwick, VIHA chief medical health officer, said the health
authority's commitment was to keep elected officials informed of any
changes or moves. He said VIHA informed the mayor's office, but it was
in the middle of the election.

"We have identified practices to follow," said Stanwick.

Stanwick said because the clinic is remaining within the same area,
VIHA wasn't committed to inform neighbours about the move, but it is
something VIHA is looking into for the future.

Stanwick said NARSF, as a contractor, is required to inform and
discuss the move with the neighbourhood.

"Our role was to start to inform the neighbours and get the word out
and that's what we did do," said Templeman.