4-PRONGED ATTACK IN WAR ON DRUGS

The City Of Ottawa Has Upped The Ante In Its Fight Against Drug Addiction.

Mayor Bob Chiarelli yesterday laid out the city's plan in its war on
drugs -- a four-pronged approach of prevention, treatment, harm
reduction and enforcement.

Known as the integrated drugs and addictions strategy, the plan
involves a partnership with about 40 agencies -- including school
boards, community groups, the media and police.

One of Chiarelli's first goals under the strategy is one that he
announced recently when he registered for this fall's municipal election.

"We need a residential treatment facility here in Ottawa," he said.

ENCOURAGED BY TURNOUT

Over the next week, terms of reference will be presented to the
city's health, recreation and social services committee. By March,
key issues, concerns and possible solutions to the city's drug
problem should be identified. Three public consultations will take
place and, by June, a report should be ready.

The city's medical officer of health said he was encouraged by the
turnout of so many groups yesterday because they need to engage the
city to help drug addicts.

"It's largely been ignored and underfunded," said Dr. David
Salisbury. "If we can prevent people from getting there (addicted to
drugs) it will be a major success."

Last spring, the city initiated a program to distribute free crack
pipes, a move police Chief Vince Bevan said would only make it easier
for drug users to get their fix and would come back to haunt the community.

Bevan wasn't at yesterday's meeting, but deputy chief Sue O'Sullivan
was and she said she was encouraged that so many groups were sitting
at the table willing to help.

"Is there a drug problem? Like all communities -- yes we do (have a
problem)," she said. "We are all committed to working together."

DRUGS IN OTTAWA

- - More than 30,000 people in Ottawa reported a substance problem that
required treatment.

- - An average of 300 people seek treatment outside the region each year.

- - Ottawa has a 21% rate of HIV and Hepatitis C infection among
intravenous drug users. That's nine times greater that Toronto's
infection rate among drug users.

- - Last year, Ottawa police laid 2,025 drug-related charges and 630
impaired driving-related charges.

- - About 200 people are on a waiting list for residential treatment programs.