OPPONENTS RALLY AGAINST ADDICT HOUSING

A bit of booze adds up to a big problem, two recovering alcoholics
said Monday.

People with substance abuse problems can't continue to use drugs or
alcohol, Bruce Sykes and Jim Kane say.

"If they abstain, they'll lead a new life. If they don't, they won't,"
said Kane.

"A wet facility is not the way to go," agreed Sykes, 54. "The
government should be doing more to help people who really do want to
get off drugs and alcohol."

Both men were among two dozen people who joined a protest against a
proposed apartment building for the homeless and drug addicts.

Those chosen to live in the 30-suite building could continue to drink
or do drugs, so long as they remain committed to a treatment program.

Protesters, who gathered at the corner of Harvey Avenue and Ellis
Street during the evening rush hour, carried placards with messages
such as "Why tempt an addict?" "A home away from drugs" and "Help, not
harm."

Mission resident Lee Janel said he joined the protest because he was
"disgusted" by Interior Health's approach to drug treatment in this
case. "We should be focusing on prevention, rather than enabling
people to keep using drugs," said Janel, who added he'd never before
attended a public protest of any kind.

Originally proposed for St. Paul Street, the apartment drew opposition
from nearby merchants and landlords who feared it would scare away
customers and possibly turn the neighbourhood into a skid row.

A city-struck task force looking at location options for the
controversial building is supposed to report back to council next week.

Jim Carta, who leads a group of St. Paul residents and business
owners, said city council should simply reject the wet housing
approach in its entirety.

"Other places that have embraced this harm-reduction philosophy are
now moving away from it," Carta said.

"How many lives do we have to impact negatively before we get it
right?"