News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Fears Surface Over Drug Rehab Facility |
| Title: | CN BC: Fears Surface Over Drug Rehab Facility |
| Published On: | 2005-02-25 |
| Source: | Morning Star, The (CN BC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-16 23:11:34 |
FEARS SURFACE OVER DRUG REHAB FACILITY
The possibility of a drug rehabilitation centre in Lake Country is causing
some anxiety within the community.
Teen Challenge Canada, a faith-based rehabilitation program, hopes to open
a centre on a Glenmore Road property by mid-March. But some residents are
left wondering who will exactly be using the centre's services.
"The community is very concerned because they don't know what it is or who
it is," said Mayor Rolly Hein.
"Some people are feeling unsafe and it's a terrible way to feel."
Under the current zoning, such a facility is allowed on the property and
Hein isn't sure if the municipality could do anything to stop the centre.
"We have the ability to withhold businesses licences but not on a
charitable organization."
Hein is quick to point out, though, that he isn't even sure if the centre
is something that warrants concerns.
"There's been lots of rumours so we've been insistent that there be a town
hall meeting so we can decide if this is something we welcome or not."
Teen Challenge Canada will host a public meeting March 11 at 7 p.m. at
Creekside Theatre.
"We want to answer these concerns," said Arnie Petrauskas, who is
overseeing Teen Challenge in the Okanagan.
"People aren't informed as to who we are. We're a ministry of excellence."
Despite the name, services at the Lake Country centre would only be for men
ages 19 to 45 who are having problems with drugs and alcohol.
Petrauskas says the centre would initially start out with five or six
students and reach a maximum of 20, although the group's Web site indicates
30-plus students.
People voluntarily enter the program, and Petrauskas maintains none of them
are criminals.
"Students aren't allowed to leave the building without signing out."
He added that Teen Challenge students have a history of helping those in
need in other communities.
"We're an absolute asset to any community."
Teen Challenge Canada, which has seven locations across the country, is
affiliated with Global Teen Challenge with more than 560 locations in 78
countries.
The possibility of a drug rehabilitation centre in Lake Country is causing
some anxiety within the community.
Teen Challenge Canada, a faith-based rehabilitation program, hopes to open
a centre on a Glenmore Road property by mid-March. But some residents are
left wondering who will exactly be using the centre's services.
"The community is very concerned because they don't know what it is or who
it is," said Mayor Rolly Hein.
"Some people are feeling unsafe and it's a terrible way to feel."
Under the current zoning, such a facility is allowed on the property and
Hein isn't sure if the municipality could do anything to stop the centre.
"We have the ability to withhold businesses licences but not on a
charitable organization."
Hein is quick to point out, though, that he isn't even sure if the centre
is something that warrants concerns.
"There's been lots of rumours so we've been insistent that there be a town
hall meeting so we can decide if this is something we welcome or not."
Teen Challenge Canada will host a public meeting March 11 at 7 p.m. at
Creekside Theatre.
"We want to answer these concerns," said Arnie Petrauskas, who is
overseeing Teen Challenge in the Okanagan.
"People aren't informed as to who we are. We're a ministry of excellence."
Despite the name, services at the Lake Country centre would only be for men
ages 19 to 45 who are having problems with drugs and alcohol.
Petrauskas says the centre would initially start out with five or six
students and reach a maximum of 20, although the group's Web site indicates
30-plus students.
People voluntarily enter the program, and Petrauskas maintains none of them
are criminals.
"Students aren't allowed to leave the building without signing out."
He added that Teen Challenge students have a history of helping those in
need in other communities.
"We're an absolute asset to any community."
Teen Challenge Canada, which has seven locations across the country, is
affiliated with Global Teen Challenge with more than 560 locations in 78
countries.
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