METH USE PROGRAM PLANNED

Funding will help to raise awareness of problem locally

Municipal council is backing the Summerland Asset Development
Initiative in a plan to raise awareness of the dangers of crystal
methamphetamine use.

The motion was carried unanimously.

Coun. Bruce Hallquist was absent for the discussion and
resolution.

At the municipal council meeting on Monday evening, Michelle Stefan of
the asset development initiative asked council for funding to
participate in the provincial program.

Stefan says the funding would be used to develop a crystal
methamphetamine community forum, create a working group on crystal
meth as an additional arm of an existing drug education task force,
create workshops for parents and students and provide community-wide
education about crystal meth use.

She says the funding will help bring a full-time qualified drug worker
into the community.

At present, a drug worker is in the community two days a week.

Under the provincial program, the Union of B.C. Municipalities will
provide up to $10,000 in seed grants to communities starting programs
to raise awareness of the dangers of methampehtamine use.

The funding is part of a $7 million package announced in
September.

It includes $2 million for community-based programs, $2 million to
enhance existing treatment programs and provide professional care, $1
million for a school-based crystal meth awareness campaign and $2
million for a public education campaign.

Stefan adds that the Penny Lane Bargain Outlet in Summerland has
helped with funding for this and other youth initiatives.

"Penny Lane has been a tremendous source of providing sustainability,"
she says.

In addition, Coun. Ken Roberge asked that the mayor write to our
Member of Parliament asking for increased penalties for those who
produce and sell crystal methamphetamine.