DRUG SCENE HAS SCARRED DOWNTOWN

While some business owners may not believe the downtown core is a hot
spot for drug users, they agree most city residents see it exactly that way.

Richard Belanger, owner of Scalliwag Toys, said he believes the
downtown drug problem is a stereotype.

"It isn't just the downtown," said Belanger, who said if the police
want to see more drug deals, they should be looking in the schools.

"It's seen (here) because people look for it more (in the downtown),"
he said adding if people took that hard a look into their own
neighbourhoods, they would see some drug activity.

Belanger said he hasn't seen any evidence of drugs in the downtown
for about the last 10 years.

"Not around my store," he said. "Everyone thinks everything is
downtown. Any part of the city could be worse."

Katherine Davis, owner of The Organic Underground, said the problem
isn't with the downtown but with people failing to reach out to those in need.

"There absolutely is a big problem. People have stopped caring about
people in need," said Davis, admitting the issue of drugs is a
sensitive topic for her "We're forgetting that we're a community and
that we should have a little empathy."

Her coffee shop is located next door to the Ontario Addiction
Treatment Centre on Front Street. She said what the city needs is
more programs to aid drug-addicted individuals.

Bryson Dockrill, owner of On-Site Computers, said he has a front row
seat to the downtown drug problem.

"I have drug deals going on in front of my store, so yeah, I've
noticed a drug problem," said Dockrill.

He said that the "beat cop" helps keep drugs under wraps, but
unfortunately, as soon as the officer leaves, it's business as usual.

Dockrill, however, said being born and raised in Belleville, he knew
opening a store downtown three years ago would have its challenges.

"I knew what I was getting into when I opened my store downtown," he said.

Peter Reedyk, manager of Chumleigh's, said he would guess about two
to four per cent of the daily customers to his used CD and game shop
are selling items to feed their habit.

"I can usually weed them out," said Reedyk, who said he knows some of
the merchandise could be stolen.

It's a variety of people who come through his doors looking to make a
few dollars from their used items.

"Some need a warm place to hang out, others seem desperate for cash,"
he said, and agreed that the city should be looking at the bigger
picture when dealing with the individuals.

"If you move them from here, they'll go somewhere else," he said.

Reedyk is among those who believe that the problem may not be as bad
as many residents think.

"We're a thriving downtown with some of the big city problems," he
said. "It is a positive place, or else I wouldn't do business here."