DETOX CENTRE BACKLASH

Residents living in the downtown area of the proposed detoxification
centre and mat shelter site don't want it in their backyard.

The proposed site for the centre and shelter is the former EXH
Engineering building located at 5409-50 Avenue.

"It would be right across the back alley from me," said Beverly, who
didn't want her last name used.

The detox centre must be approved by the Municipal Planning Commission
before any advancements can occur.

If approved, the centre will be equipped with 20 mat shelter for
intoxicated clients as well as 20 beds for people who need to detoxify.

The centre will also have offices for management, a kitchen area,
washrooms and laundry facilities.

"I just don't think you put a place like that where residents with
small children live," said Beverly.

Michael Dawe, city archivist, who also owns part of the house Beverly
lives in had strong concerns about the 20 mat shelter.

"A mat service is not a treatment program," he said. "It's for
individuals who are already inebriated or high on drugs to spend the
night."

At a Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday Jim Taylor, the project
development manager for the Safe Harbour Society said public safety is
not an issue with the detox centre and mat shelter.

"People who are using the shelters are grateful for a place to stay,"
he said. "They aren't interested in causing problems."

Taylor said the detox centre and mat shelter need to be put together
in the same building because of the terms of a $750,000 indefinite
annual grant given by AADAC.

"The model works well anyways, it gets people from the mat program to
the detox program," said Taylor. "They will see their friends in detox
and getting clean and they will do it too."

However, that doesn't ease the concerns of area residents.

A petition is currently being passed around the neighbourhood for the
objection of the detox centre and mat shelter.

It is hoped the petition will be presented to the city's municipal
planning commission and council.

Shane Young, a local artist and an 11-year resident of the area said
the detox and mat shelter wouldn't really affect him but he is
concerned for Beverly.

"Beverly has a very valid point," he said. "The centre would be way
too close to where she is."

Taylor said he sympathizes with area residents.

"I do feel for the people who have to have it (the detox centre and
mat shelter) next to them," he said. "I wouldn't want it next to me
either."

An open house for the proposed detox centre and mat service will take
place on Jan. 20 at 5409-50 Avenue from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Identical presentations are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 5:30
p.m.

The proposal is scheduled to go to the city's Municipal Planning
Commission on Jan. 31.