WRONG PLACE FOR METH CLINIC: COMMUNITY

Representatives of residents and businesses in Strathcona are
concerned about a proposal to relocate a methadone clinic and pharmacy
to their neighbourhood, one block away from an elementary school and
near the future library complex.

"The children living in this neighbourhood already have a lot to
observe and think about," said Joji Kumagai, executive director of the
Strathcona Business Improvement Association. "There'd be more purpose
to that space if it could include mixed use for the community."

Dr. Gary Horvath with Doc-Side Medical at 125 Main St. has applied to
the city to relocate the clinic to 678 East Hastings St. In his letter
of application, Horvath said the services offered would include a
walk-in clinic, primary care and addiction services, such as
counselling and psychiatry, infectious disease care and a small
pharmacy. Horvath noted in his letter he will recruit family
physicians. Horvath wrote that the clinic doctors and staff will abide
by the city's Good Neighbour Conditions, which include minimizing
loitering, lineups and congregations of people outside the clinic by
offering scheduled appointments.

Conditions also include hiring a cleanup crew to work early mornings
and during the day, working with police to minimize visible drug
dealing and agreeing not to offer incentives, monetary or otherwise,
to attract new clients.

Kumagai said despite the promise to keep clients inside, children
walking to school or the library will likely have regular interaction
with addicts.

"We already have a number of pharmacies with methadone components in
the community," said Kumagai. "We believe there's already enough and
we want to look at other options for that space."

James Johnstone, chairman of the Strathcona Residents Association,
said the proposal goes against the community vision the Strathcona
Revitalization Committee created for the neighbourhood in 2008.

He said a key component of the official revitalization plan for the
neighbourhood is regaining a "healthy balance," including placing a
moratorium on the number of social services offered while encouraging
more market housing, increasing amenities for the community and
encouraging the arts and green initiatives like farmers markets.
Johnstone said he is concerned about the proposed methadone clinic's
proximity to Lord Strathcona elementary school and the future library.

"It will cut off the north part of the neighbourhood, creating another
no-go zone for children and families," said Johnstone. "It's a recipe
for disaster. Children north of Hastings walking to the library will
have to walk past those lineups. It's another nail in the coffin for
the community."

Johnstone added the location is across the street from a Union Gospel
Mission abstinence-based residence.

"There's no denying those [clinic] services are needed, but just not
in that location," Johnstone said.

Horvath said Tuesday morning he will comment once the city has made
its decision. He added he has received no timeline from the city for a
response.

A notice to residents from the city says written comments on the
application are welcome until March 31.