BOX ALLOWS SAFE DISPOSAL OF NEEDLES

A growing number of needles being found on streets and in parks around
Kamloops has resulted in the placement of a needle disposal box at the
Kamloops Outreach Centre.

The tin box is designed so people with used needles can dispose of them in
a suitable manner.

"This is a community project in the making," said program leader Nora
Walker. "Many users are responsible but we do find the occasional needle."

A collaborative effort between Interior Health Authority, the RCMP and the
City of Kamloops has allowed the project to take place. Concerns about
needles were raised by members of the community and business owners in the
downtown core.

"We've been getting calls because of needles that have been found and
people don't know what to do with them," said Walker. "Instead of finding
needles in alleys and walkways, people can put them in the box."

The employees at the Outreach Centre plan to monitor the disposal box in
the next couple of weeks to see how much it is being used. Fund-raising
hasn't yet been necessary with money coming from the city. Each box is
estimated at $200 and more are on the way.

"The more boxes there are, the more they will be used," said Patrick
Lindsay, general manager of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement
Association. "This is a really positive step for Kamloops. With the drug
trade comes needles. We are striving towards making the streets more safe."

People are encouraged to drop by the Outreach Centre on Lansdowne Street to
pick up information on how to properly handle used needles if found.

"Everyone should be very careful if they come across used needles," said
Walker. "This box will hopefully prevent young children from finding
them."Downtown businesses may ask the city to develop rules about
panhandling to combat a new wave of aggressive begging.

Patrick Lindsay, general manager of the Kamloops Central Business
Improvement Association, said Wednesday people are being confronted by
panhandlers who refuse to take no for an answer.

Some of the persistent panhandlers stake out bank machines and harass
patrons. Others simply make aggressive, threatening demands for cash.

Lindsay plans to get copies of recent bylaws instituted in Winnipeg and New
Westminster. Those communities adopted bylaws to address problem panhandling.

Once he has studied those laws, he may ask the city to consider similar
restrictions here.

Lindsay said panhandlers have always been in the city's downtown, but most
have limited themselves to "passive" techniques.

The warm weather seems to have brought a new crowd of beggars who seem less
concerned that their methods cause people discomfort.

"It's the type of panhandling that scares me," he said.

"Merchants don't want people panhandling in front of their store."