DETOX GRANT IS SECURE FOR A YEAR

The Safe Harbour Society's $750,000 annual grant from the Alberta Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) to run the detoxification centre and mat
service is secure until next March.

"They need to do some work to try to secure a facility," said Wayne Spychka,
manager of funding services for AADAC. "But the allocated funding will still
be secured until next year."

Spychka said he's optimistic Safe Harbour will find an appropriate location
for the detox centre and mat program.

"I hope that it gets resolved sooner than later."

He added he doesn't know where in the city the detox centre and mat program
is best suited.

"It just needs to be where our clients are."

Last week in a unanimous vote, the Red Deer subdivision and development
appeal board revoked Safe Harbour's permit for the 20 bed detox centre and
20 mat program for people intoxicated or high on drugs at 5409-50 Avenue
after hearing two appellants.

The appeal board based their decision on the fact the location was not
compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.

"We find that this is particularly the case given to the close proximity to
Ms. (Beverly) Williams residence, and other residences, the normal common
usage of the alley by people in the downtown area including school
children," said the appeal board's written decision.

It also stated the appeal board thought there was bound to be a "spill-over"
effect on the neighbourhood from the people using the centre.

Williams said she's relieved it won't be placed next to her home.

"I'm happy it's not going near me," said Williams, who lives 11 metres away
from the building in which the detox centre and mat service were to be
housed. "But I do stress that I'm not against a mat service or detox service
- -- I do think Red Deer needs one."