METH FORUM PLANNED FOR CHILLIWACK

City Council Took A Couple Of Steps Last Week Aimed At Public Safety.

They supported a motion to join the B.C. Crime Prevention Association and
they also have directed staff to organize a public forum about the use and
production of methamphetamines, commonly known as crystal meth.

"This is a very big concern in the community, and it's something we have to
get ahead of very quickly," Coun. Chuck Stam said.

No date was set for the forum at the council meeting but the event is
likely to take place sometime in the fall.

While the city is at the forefront of things when it comes to organizing
the forum, they will be looking for other groups and individuals to play
key roles. The Sto:lo Nation recently put on a forum to examine the perils
of methamphetamine use in the First Nations community.

Mayor Clint Hames suggested getting their input for the upcoming forum.

"I'd like to incorporate them in the planning," he said.

Coun. Mel Folkman also wanted the Chilliwack School District to be involved
in the event and would like to see more programs to educate the community
about the dangers of the drug.

"I think a public forum is a start," he said.

Coun. Sharon Gaetz suggested the new solicitor general, Chilliwack-Sumas
MLA John Les, be contacted.

"I would hope that he would be invited to speak," she said.

Gaetz brought up the risks of methamphetamine, particularly for young
people. She mentioned studies of young people who have been developing
mental illnesses as a result of drug use.

"The common denominator in all these assessments is that the kids used
crystal meth," she said.

Council's other decision, to join the B.C. Crime Prevention Association,
will mean opportunities for training and support in the field. The
association has been around since 1978 and aims to help startup groups in
their efforts to improve community safety.