PUBLIC LEFT OUT OF LOOP

On Tuesday night I attended the public information meeting regarding the
issue of locating alcohol and drug rehabilitation Bridge Houses in our
community. For those who do not know what is going on, it appears very
likely that in the near future a recommendation will be made to city
council to hold a single public hearing, which will allow up to six bridge
houses to be located around the city without any direct consultation with,
or forewarning of the neighbourhoods involved.

The public meeting was very poorly attended, however many questions were
asked of the Bridge House Committee, chaired by Coun. Mark Warawa.
Unfortunately, many of these questions were either not answered, or not
answered to the satisfaction of those doing the asking.

Questions such as who will monitor and inspect these facilities, will the
operators be properly trained, will a staff member be on duty 24/7, what is
the criteria for the public wishing to lodge complaints, how easy will it
be to shut these places down if necessary, and why, if these homes for
recovering substance abusers are no threat to the community are they to be
located at least 200 metres from schools?

There is no doubt people with drug and alcohol addictions need help, but
the public has a right to have these and many other questions answered
before a blanket re-zoning bylaw is passed to allow these facilities to be
located among unsuspecting neighbourhoods.

It appears the public only has one more chance to speak on this issue and I
would urge everyone to attend the public hearing on bridge houses. The
hearing date should be advertised in your local newspapers, or you can
contact the city administrator at 604-853-2281.

Gary Tupper, Abbotsford