LOCAL CONCERN OVER LOCATION OF NEEDLE EXCHANGE NOTHING NEW

The article Needle exchange seeks a new home," in the June 28 edition
of the Chilliwack Progress, was well written. However, I would like
to clarify some points for your readers.

It is quite true that the staff of the needle exchange service has
been forced to undergo hasty relocations for the clinic in the last
year. The article says they are facing relocation after a decade of
peaceful and successful existence within or near the downtown core.
The fact is, the complaints have been going on for years from
businesses on Ontario Street, Alexander Street and Princess Avenue.
There have been more than a few complaints about the Connection's
recent location on Spadina and Main Street. Hundreds of signatures
opposing this location have been submitted. In addition, 10
businesses located in close proximity to the clinic have made urgent
representations at the local and provincial level, as well as the
Fraser Health Authority. These businesses are being financially
damaged by the activities of some of the clients served by the
clinic. One business has succumbed to that damage already and others
are at risk.

It is stated that various agencies were trying to calm anxious
residents by providing better and more detailed information. However,
that does not address the fact that residents and businesses were
kept totally in the dark right up to the opening day for the needle
exchange clinic. The firestorm that followed should have been
predicted. Someone did not do his homework.

The staff of this clinic has an already difficult task, and provides
a valuable service to clients. However, we now have addicts coming
here from Abbotsford and Mission where these services do not
presently exist. Having said that, it should have been predicted
there would be a fallout from the present Spadina and Main location
as more people will be availing themselves of the service.

We hope when a more appropriate location for the clinic is found, the
officials responsible will look at the broader picture and take into
consideration any potential for disruption to the community.

Freeman A. Dryden