ADDICTION CENTRE GETS REZONING OK

A bylaw to amend the zoning of the site of a rural addiction recovery centre
received third reading from Langley Township Council last week.

The bylaw was opposed by Councillor Muriel Arnason, who told council she was
opposed to septic tanks.

"The fact is they have a lot of animals (and) they have a lot of people (at
the centre)," Arnason said.

Wagner Hills Farm Society is seeking an amendment to the existing Community
Care Facility P2J zone, to expansion of the addiction recovery program's
care, treatment, board and lodging beds to 50, from the current 23.

Wagner Hills Farm Society has been operating the recovery program, on 44.5
acres at 8061 - 264 St., since 1981.

Mayor Kurt Alberts said the society would need the approval of the Fraser
Health Authority for the septic works.

At a public hearing in September there was no opposition to the society's
request for rezoning.

The non-profit, Christian-based organization provides alcohol and drug
recovery programs for adult males, and since 1981 more than 1,400 men have
lived at Wagner Hills Farm, for between one to six months.

Residents take part in all aspects of life at the centre, from cooking and
cleaning and farm work to mechanical repairs and welding.

As a prerequisite to rezoning, an application was made to the land
commission in 2002, and the commission's approval was subject to
consolidation of the six lots. The property contains five separate
residences, a facility centre building, two barns, tractor shop, tool shop,
greenhouse and a chicken coop. Two additional dormitories are planned.