MOVE METHADONE CLINICS: MCHATTIE

Councillors want methadone clinics out of residential and retail areas.

Hospitals or industrial zones would be better-suited for the
treatment centres that serve drug addicts, said Councillor Brian McHattie.

The city has three clinics, on King, Main and John streets. McHattie
says he's received numerous complaints about the centre in the
Strathcona neighbourhood.

"The methadone clinics create lots of new opportunities for crime,"
he suggested at yesterday's board of health meeting. "The drug
dealers know their clientele are present."

Public health staff recommended council wait until the province
completes research on clinics before imposing a bylaw that would
restrict locations. A bylaw would only affect future clinics.

Staff also cautioned that limiting locations of medical offices may
deter doctors from entering the community.

McHattie asked that planning staff investigate guidelines to
minimize the impact on neighbours, and regulations that would force
clinics to reveal they are a methadone treatment facility before opening.