DRUG ACTIVITY IN PARK DISTURBS RESIDENTS

During a brief stroll Wednesday through Giovanni Caboto Park in
Woodbridge, it wasn't difficult to see evidence of drug use.

In an area at the southern end of the park, the grass was littered
with small plastic packets -- all empty, of course -- which police
identified as "dime bags" used in dealing small quantities of drugs.

'I'm fearful of what they're going to do in the night.'

Drug use is just one of the complaints Mary Carodi has about
activities in and around the park.

She said crowds of youths speed along the road bordering the park,
play loud music late at night, break bottles and try to start fires.

Mrs. Carodi said her husband complained to a group one night recently
and, the following morning, found someone removed the hub caps on his
vehicle and loosened the lug nuts.

"I'm fearful of what they're going to do in the night," she
said.

Some women watching their children at the park's playground said they
hadn't experienced trouble, but heard numerous complaints from other
residents about rowdy activity.

Mrs. Carodi said dozens of cars and hundreds of youths gathered along
the street and in the park earlier this week, honking horns, swearing
and playing loud music. She said her husband saw youths shove a bylaw
officer and rock his car when he showed up to investigate complaints.

She claimed the problem has been going on for 2-1/2 years and has made
numerous complaints to the city and police.

"No one is doing anything about this," she said. "It's a high
frustration level."

'We're behind the 8-ball for small use. Unless we see drugs changing
hands, it's hard to control.'

Tony Thompson, head of Vaughan's bylaw enforcement office, denied any
of his officers had been shoved or otherwise assaulted, but added
"we've been very active in that park".

He said his office has had 12 calls about the park so far this year,
the last being Aug. 19 when officers dispersed a group of youths who
were loitering after the park closed.

"We'll be paying special attention to the park for the next week," Mr.
Thompson said.

Ward 3 Councillor Bernie Di Vona, however, said he had received only
one complaint about the park this year.

"York Regional Police have no complaints in 2003, bylaw officials have
no complaints in 2003," he said. "People should call bylaw officers if
anyone is in the park after closing."

Mr. Di Vona said a stop sign has been installed on the street to
prevent speeding.

When told of Mrs. Carodi's complaints, he said he is willing to
organize a community meeting to discus the problem.

"We'll have a look at it," he said.

Det. Mike Klimm of the York Regional Police drug squad said police
receive complaints "about all our parks".

As for the small plastic pouches, he said there is little the police
can do, given recent changes to laws governing marijuana possession.

"We're behind the 8-ball for small use," he said. "Unless we see drugs
changing hands, it's hard to control."