REHAB CENTRE ANGERS RESIDENTS

The company hoping to open an addictions rehabilitation centre for
the greater good should be just be as concerned about the
neighbhourhood, say angry residents.

That was the heated message delivered to officials of the Hatts Off
company Wednesday night at a meeting unveiling the company's plans to
open a rehab centre in an old home fronting Water Street across from
Galt Collegiate Institute.

The company is seeking special zoning changes that would allow it to
open a 10-bed addiction treatment centre called Caverhill Manor for
professional, highly-motivated male clients. The program would cost
$10,000 a month. Currently, the zoning allows for residential,
commercial or clinical use.

After finding out the company already owns the property, some told
officials that if they really care about the community they would
drop their plans.

"Do the right corporate thing and put a for sale sign on the lawn,"
said Dan Banks.

Another woman threatened legal action if her home daycare business
failed should parents decide the centre posed a safety risk.

"I'm telling you right now," she said, "I'll sue you."

Hatts Off executive director Gordon Naylor tried to alleviate fears
by explaining that the program won't be a drop-in model and that
those undergoing treatment would be supervised by mentors or staff if
out in the community. He also insisted the centre wouldn't take in
sex offenders or anyone with criminal histories.

Of the 70 residents who gathered in the gymnasium at Manchester
Public School Wednesday, only a handful spoke in favour of the
proposal. The rest argued the centre would decrease property values,
pose a safety risk to children, and would be too close to local
elementary and secondary schools.

Many said there are already several group homes, a homeless shelter
and a crack house in the neighbourhood. Some suggested the location
would be nothing but a temptation for clients because drugs are
readily accessible.

Naylor said the facility would only take clients by referral and each
would be screened based on motivation and commitment levels. He added
that the company, which has been in business for 25 years and
operates many facilities, has long waiting lists. Those who aren't
genuinely interested in overcoming addictions won't be accepted, he said.

"We don't take them, we don't need to take them and we don't want to
take them."

The facility would also employee a zero-tolerance policy for drug and
alcohol use, insisted officials, and wouldn't rely on alternate drug
therapies to wean abusers off their addictions.

He also said the company works hard to develop good relationships
with neighbours.

Hatts Off will be holding a drop-in information session at the home,
its entrance on 20 Haddington St., on Nov. 9.

The public will have a chance to have its say again when the
company's application for rezoning goes before city councillors on Nov. 30.