ACTION PLAN TO COME FROM DRUG MEETING

Community Groups Discuss A Range Of Issues From School District 47's Drug
Policy To A Lack Of Detox Beds

At a meeting to look for solutions to Powell River's drug problems, Mayor
Stewart Alsgard handed out a draft plan prepared for Vancouver City
Council, suggesting that it might be used as a template for a Powell River
action plan.

"We're constantly seeing money for a report or study," said Alsgard,
calling for action instead of study.

Spirited discussion of school and community policy on drugs, detox and
rehab beds, crystal meth, drug houses, poverty and community support arose
at the meeting, which was held Friday, August 26.

School District 47 has recently completed a new drug policy. As of this
school year, secondary school students who offend three times with drugs or
alcohol will be expelled.

School board chairwoman Pauline Galinski defended the new policy. "The
school board's mandate is to provide a safe environment for kids to learn,"
she said.

Margaret Antolovich, manager for public health and prevention at Powell
River Community Health, did not agree with the policy. "We need to make
every effort to keep youth in school rather than expel them," said
Antolovich. She asked people at the meeting for any evidence that
suspension or expulsion actually reduces youth drug use.

Wendy Barker from Powell River Youth and Family Services Society responded
that taking away youth's connections to the community just makes it easier
for them to connect with pushers.

Crystal meth was on everyone's mind. "We haven't experienced a lot of
crystal meth in this community yet," said Powell River RCMP Corporal Dennis
Blanch, an investigator in drug and major crimes, "but it's at the doorway.
Addiction is almost instantaneous." Blanch suggested several times that a
coordinated approach is needed to fight drug use, and must include detox
beds in Powell River.

"We sure notice a lack of detox facilities," said Chris King, representing
Vicki Sanzalone from ministry of employment and income assistance. King
said there is an expensive private institution in Powell River and one
detox bed for women at Transition House. Men go to a facility in Comox.

"The solution . . . has to involve everybody," said municipal councillor
David Gabelhouse. "We have to work on economic development. That's where
the support comes from."

Alsgard called for a new deal out of the federal and provincial
governments, and invited Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons,
who was also there, to address the question. "I'd like to see non-flashy,
non-media prevention," said Simons. Simons added that he would like to see
social workers in the schools. "Unfortunately, our social workers don't
have the backing," said Blanch. Simons agreed.

Powell River RCMP Staff Sergeant Larry Misner suggested that the group meet
again to vote on achievable goals. "Pick one. Put an action plan together,"
he said.

Career Link program director Lyn Adamson also called for an action plan
that is achievable and reasonable.

The lack of youth and recovered addicts at the meeting was noted. All
parties agreed to meet again soon.