CITY IS INVOLVED IN FOUR PILLAR PLAN

Letter Of The Week

To the Editor:

Marshall Jones' Sept. 3 story (Crime Wave Blamed on Drugs) was an
interesting depiction of the supply component of the drug problem
facing Kelowna, and I applaud his attention to the issue.

In the story's final paragraph, however, he states that Mayor Walter
Gray and the City of the Kelowna talked about a four pillar approach
to the problem but "never got it off the ground". I disagree.

The City of Kelowna has been diligent in contributing to the
development of a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to
problematic drug use in the Central Okanagan, through its involvement
with the Central Okanagan Four Pillars Coalition.

It has provided significant funding and in-kind support, and Mayor
Gray, Councillor Sharon Shepherd, and community planning manager
Theresa Eichler have consistently supported and guided the coalition's
activities.

Over the past several months, the coalition has conducted a series of
forums seeking public input, and continues to perform community-based
research to determine both the extent of the problem in the Central
Okanagan and the best responses to it.

Current initiatives include:

Interviews with active drug users and street residents,

A detailed survey of more than 60 local service providers,

An online youth survey,

An online survey for members of the general public.

Members of the public can ensure that their opinions are heard and
recorded by completing these surveys.

To do so, they should visit www.livingpositive.ca, then click on the
Four Pillars tab at the top of the page.

After completing the survey, take some time to browse the page, and
find out what the coalition is all about.

A report detailing the results of the surveys and additional research,
and outlining goals and recommendations for future action will be
presented at a public forum at the Kelowna Community Theatre on
Wednesday, November 3rd.

All members of the public are encouraged to attend.

A final report, which will incorporate public input offered at this
forum, will be released at the end of November.

Drugs and drug-related problems are serious and vexing issues, and the
entire community will have to become involved if a workable solution
is to be arrived at.

Take the time to find out more, and make your opinion known.

Robert James, coordinator

Central Okanagan Four Pillars Coalition