DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE AT TEES GETS COUNTY OK

Central Alberta's first inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centre is
scheduled to open near Tees in about two months.

"We are shooting for July 15," said Karen Cretney, a partner in the Central
Alberta Recovery Centre.

The closest facilities are in Edmonton and Calgary.

The centre will open at the former prison work camp a few kilometres
northeast of Tees.

The 20-bed, private treatment centre for men only will run five-week
treatment sessions.

Craig Staniforth, area supervisor for AADAC office in Red Deer, said when
it is appropriate, he will refer patients to the centre. And when
appropriate, the centre would refer people to AADAC.

"It's another option," Staniforth said.

The Red Deer AADAC office provides public outpatient treatment.

Lacombe County approved plans for the centre this week.

Reeve Terry Engen said no one came to the municipal planning commission
meeting on Tuesday to oppose the centre.

"(The centre) created certainly some concerns in the community. But it
appears that they have done a good job answering the concerns," Engen said.

Previously, the county had received letters in favour and letters in
opposition.

Cretney said she appreciated the county's support for the project.

"They jumped on board with us and made it possible."

MPC approved the project for a three-year term with conditions that included:

* Accreditation of the facility. * Using certified counsellors. * Setting
up a community liaison committee. * Completing annual safety audits. * The
program is for treatment only, and can't be used as a detox facility where
people go through initial withdraw from drugs or alcohol. * Not causing a
nuisance in the area. * Incorporating recommended safety features.

The site was a minimum security prison, so security features still exist.
Recommendations from a security analyst must be followed so a fence has to
be built to distinguish the property, signs put up to guide visitors, and
more exterior lighting.

Approval for the centre could be appealed to the county's subdivision and
development appeal board. Appeals must be made within 19 days of MPC's
notice of approval.

Last fall, Cretney and her partner Jim Gray purchased the work former camp.

Clients will come voluntarily and no one ordered to take treatment by the
courts will be allowed.

It would be strictly for men who are employed and have been in detox for a
minimum of five days to address withdrawal symptoms.