CLINIC IN WRONG PLACE: MOM

Pain Management / Dependency Clinic Divides A Community

Michele Poulin does not have a problem with the opening of a pain
management and dependency clinic in Burlington - in fact, she applauds it.

However, a clinic that offers methadone treatment, only steps away
from her daughter's Grade 4 classroom, is where problems arise for her.

"In that entire church full of people, not one of them raised their
hands and said they were against the clinic when the question was
specifically posed to the crowd," said Poulin of a Sept. 5 public
information meeting addressing the controversial Plains Road East site.

"Not one person said they were against the clinic operating in
Burlington. Everyone however. was against the location (of the
clinic) because of the (nearby) school.

"There was a lot of support for what (clinic co-owner) Peggi DeGroote
was doing there," said Poulin.

During the meeting, DeGroote said 98 to 99 per cent of clinic
patients will be treated for chronic pain and addiction to
prescription drugs and one per cent or less will be dealing with
heroin addiction.

For the 47-year-old mother of two, that's a moot point.

"Regardless of what drug the patients are on, the point is they're on
a behavioural-altering narcotic of some form, and they're going to be
steps away from the children," said Poulin, who has one daughter in
the French immersion program at Maplehurst Public School, and her
younger daughter will be entering kindergarten at the school next September.

"You're talking about a highly-impressionable group. And when you're
talking about drug activity, they're a highly-targeted group at that
age. If the stories and reports are true, that drug dealing or other
negative behaviour will result from the activity of those clinics, it
shouldn't be on the footsteps of the school.

"(Children) are already exposed to enough negative input and negative
visual images in this world. It doesn't have to be right at their doorstep."

During the pubic meeting, DeGroote refrained from answering questions
posed by the audience and assured residents answers will be offered
during a second public meeting scheduled for next week. It was a move
that, according to Poulin, frustrated the crowd.

"The city is saying there's nothing we can do about it, it's all
legit. Peggi DeGroote is saying, 'I don't have the answers, I'm not a
doctor, but this is what we believe the stats to be. No, we're not
going to stop what we're doing, but you can come talk to us in a few weeks'.

"These people are worried about their children and they're being
blown off for a few weeks while everything still progresses. There
are too many unanswered questions."

Poulin said she understands the city's hands are tied regarding the
planning and zoning bylaws that permit the clinic to open on the
property in question, however, she hopes the city will put something
in place to safeguard against facilities that can have a negative
impact on the community.

"Maybe I'm looking at things through rose-coloured glasses, but I
believe everyone in this situation can come out smelling like a
rose," Poulin explained.

"Peggi DeGroote can say, while we don't agree with the concerns of
the community, we're going to move the clinic for the peace of
operation for our patients and our staff. The city can say what they
please about being instrumental in bringing the parties together and
moving the location. The school board and parents can say we support
the clinic, just not there. And I'm sure Ms. DeGroote and her
partners can probably come up with a penalty to end the lease.

"Everyone can come out in a win/win situation," said Poulin.

The parent said she would consider moving her daughters to another
school if the clinic opens at 444 Plains Rd. E. "I will keep a very
close eye on the operation of that place if it does open, but I
firmly hope it won't.

"(The clinic) can thrive and it offers a valuable service, but it's
best done elsewhere."