DETOX IS A STEP CLOSER

The Safe Harbour Society is one step closer to locating a permanent
non-medical detox centre in Red Deer after city council gave first reading
to a rezoning bylaw that would allow for the site to be located at 5246-53
Ave behind A & B Sound.

At this week's meeting, council voted unanimously in favour of giving first
reading to the bylaw.

"This is very important because we are talking about people who are just
trying to keep going," said Kath Hoffman, residential director for the Safe
Harbour Society.

If approved, the permanent site will include a 20-bed overnight mat program
as well as a 20-bed detox centre.

The detox centre will serve adults who have chosen to stop using drugs or
alcohol, by providing them with a supportive drug and alcohol free
environment while their bodies detoxify and return to a healthier state.

"People who are in detox will stay between five and 15 days depending on
what they have been using," said Hoffman. "Visitors are discouraged during
their stay."

The detox centre will be staffed 24/7 while the overnight shelter will be
open and staffed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.

"Each morning before people leave the overnight shelter, they are asked if
they would like to enter detox," said Hoffman.

City planners told council that letters had been mailed or handed out to
business owners in the immediate area of the proposed detox centre.

Some concerns from neighbouring businesses include client loitering, an
increase in crime, safety of employees and decreased property value.

Hoffman said the proposed detox centre has received strong support from the
David Thompson Health Region as well as the RCMP and the Alberta Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

The proposed permanent location for the detox centre will not be available
until next fall so a temporary site has been approved by the city's
municipal planning commission.

The temporary site will be located on the top floor at 4809-48 Ave.

The temporary facility will include an eight-bed detox centre.

It will not include an overnight shelter.

The Safe Harbour Society has secured funding from AADAC as long as all
approvals, including the proposed permanent site for the detox centre, are
given as of Jan. 1.

If so, they will receive a $750,000 annual grant for three years from AADAC
to operate the centre.

A public hearing regarding the proposed permanent location for detox centre
will be held on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.