CRACKING DOWN ON DRUG USE HAS GOT IT BACKWARDS

Re: Crackdown hasn't cut drug use in Downtown Eastside: report, May 11

Frankly I am not surprised that an effort called a "crack"-down had no
effect on drug use in the Downtown Eastside. Instead of cracking down,
we should be building up.

The approach of tackling the drug problem first and then developing
the neighbourhood is backwards. We should immediately start developing
the neighbourhood. New buildings. Restored buildings. A drug abuser
will feel out of sorts shooting up in front of a building that is not
boarded up and smells new or restored. Create an environment that is
unappealing to them. This approach would eliminate a problem that
might appear insurmountable.

Philip Proctor

Vancouver