URBAN REFORMER LOOKS NORTH TO FIGHT ADDICTION

The MLA known for tackling aggressive panhandling and bullying in
schools says he has found a solution to drug addiction far from the
high-rises of his West End riding, and he's on a whirlwind tour of
B.C. to promote it.

Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt said he's had a favourable
reception so far to his proposal for New Hope, a proposed addiction
treatment retreat on a former Canadian Forces radar station
southwest of Prince George.

That includes the nearest city, which has more than its share of
drug and alcohol problems.

"It's had some preliminary support, certainly the three MLAs,
Shirley Bond, John Rustad and Pat Bell, but also Mayor Colin
Kinsley," Mayencourt said.

The New Hope approach is based on a successful addiction treatment
community in San Patrignano, Italy, which gives participants a home,
work and treatment for up to five years. Mayencourt says he's been
told by addiction specialists that between two and three years is
optimum. The current B.C. program consists of three to 10 days of
detox, followed by a 28-day program. Mayencourt says it's not
working, and nowhere is the failure more evident than places like
Prince Rupert or Terrace where there are no detox facilities.

While some of his fellow B.C. Liberal MLAs support the idea, he has
to prove it is better before it can gain official government support.

He hopes to raise $150,000 from foundations and businesses to get
the pilot project through its first year. He said the New Hope
community model will only work with people who make a voluntary commitment.