DETOX CENTRE A KEY SERVICE

If you care at all about the homeless in Surrey, or at least the ongoing
effort to clean up troubled Whalley, the news of a 22-bed detox centre
relocating to this city should elate you.

Up to 70 per cent of the homeless are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

Yet, south of the Fraser River, there are presently no detoxification
facilities. Not a one.

Those wishing to kick their habits must travel to services elsewhere in the
Lower Mainland, most of which have long waiting lists. That restricted
accessibility only reduces the odds of an addict taking the initiative to
get clean, and get off the streets.

This week, The Leader reported that Maple Cottage, a detox centre
temporarily located in Burnaby, is planning to move to Surrey in the near
future.

The centre will operate 22 detox beds, including three for youth between
the ages of 14 and 18, making it the only detox in the Fraser Health
Authority offering that service.

The facility's administrators are now working with city staff to find a
suitable site.

Final approval of the location and rezoning, if necessary, rests with the
city's elected representatives.

City council has shown both courage and reluctance in dealing with the
complex and controversial homelessness issue, and the provision of the
services required to tackle the problem.

Last year, a 36-bed homeless shelter was approved for a Newton site,
despite considerable public opposition. Yet, the same council has balked at
extending the operating period of a similar service in Whalley.

Almost regardless of where Maple Cottage will ultimately establish itself
in Surrey, we expect there will be public concern.

Yet, getting this facility here is an absolutely critical component in the
suite of social services necessary to deal with Surrey's serious
homelessness and drug addiction problems.

Council must have the will to make this happen.