DRUG INJECTION SITE A REALITY

While some of its potential clients huddled nearby, North America's
first authorized drug-injection site had its long-awaited official
opening Monday.

The so-called safe-injection site won't be open to addicts for a week
or so, but its political backers greeted the move with whoops and cheers.

The controversial government-funded project will give users injection
kits and allow them to shoot up inside under nurse
supervision.

Drug users sometimes will use dirty needles and water from puddles to
shoot up. Now, addicts wanting to use the new facility will be ushered
into a brightly-lit room lined on one side by open, mirrored booths
where they can inject drugs.

After finishing, they will be taken to a "chill out room," where they
can receive counselling and peer referrals.

Health Canada has committed $1.5 million to pay for research during
the pilot project and the B.C. government will also give $2 million to
help cover costs.