ROBSON PROMISES REHAB ON DEMAND

Drug addicts in Maple Ridge will have access to on-demand drug
treatment programs within a week of Gord Robson's swearing in as
mayor, he promised Saturday night.

Robson, well known for his campaigning with the Crystal Meth Task
Force, said he will use the resources of the district to fight the
problem.

"We have huge resources here that are underutilized," Robson
said.

"I consider these people on the streets victims, and I want to treat
them like they're bleeding from the ear," he said.

If the addicts in Maple Ridge were visibly injured, they would get
emergency treatment. The community needs to treat them like the
walking wounded, Robson said.

"It's not a big dollar amount," Robson said, when asked about the
costs for the venture.

He couldn't specify where any new treatment facility might be located,
but there are plans and negotiations underway.

Robson was meeting with district Chief Administrative Officer Jim Rule
this week to find out exactly what can be done in such short order.

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadow's top cop said any headway in getting more
addicts into rehab and detox programs would be a benefit for the community.

"When we are dealing with drug addicts, time is of the essence," said
Inspector Janice Armstrong.

The best time to get addicts into rehab is the moment they have
decided they want to give up drugs, Armstrong said. Unfortunately,
most programs have wait lists.

A lot of the property crime around Maple Ridge, including theft, is
perpetrated by local addicts. They steal to support their habits,
especially addiction to crystal methamphetamine.

Robson's other plans are to be moving as fast as possible
too.

He promised frequently during the campaign to have a new Official
Community Plan within months of taking office. That may mean speeding
up the current process of rethinking the plan, which the previous
mayor and council began after a series of highly critical public
hearings last summer.

Robson also plans to do something about traffic congestion. The
electoral loss of Surrey mayor Doug McCallum may be helpful. McCallum
was the chair of TransLink.

Robson joked that he would like to become the chair of TransLink, but
that it isn't likely.

However, with a new chair to be chosen, Maple Ridge could wield more
clout.

"I think it's an exciting opportunity," Robson said.