GIVING LIFE A HAND

A Christian-based treatment program for women addicted to drugs and alcohol
has been given a helping hand by an outgoing member of city council.

In his last official motion as a councillor, John Redekop moved last week
to call for city staff not to go ahead with a new zoning for the LIFE
Recovery Association House at 2693 Braeside, near Ten Broeck elementary. In
November of 2000, council voted unanimously to create a new institutional
zone "with the specific intent of making it difficult for the LIFE Recovery
Association to launch its rehabilitation service," Redekop told the
outgoing council's last regular meeting.

That decision was "not council's finest hour," said Redekop, "even though
we voted in good conscience."

After investigation on his own, Redekop said he supports Braeside - which
is not a detox centre but a rehabilitation centre whose "success rate is
impressive."

His call to suspend new zoning on the property will be forwarded to the new
city council.