CORMAN PARK YOUTH FACILITY NO THREAT TO NEIGHBOURHOOD

I would like to provide some information about the youth stabilization
facility proposed for Corman Park.

This 24-bed health-care facility -- 12 treatment and six stabilization
beds being moved from the Calder Centre and six involuntary
stabilization beds being relocated from Regina -- will treat youths
aged 12 to 17.

Calder Centre has a 10-year history of providing drug and alcohol
treatment services for youth at its current location in a residential
neighbourhood in Saskatoon that has an elementary school, high school,
senior's highrise and a facility for mentally disabled adults. In that
time, the community has not experienced any incidents or safety
concerns. In fact, we have received letters of support for Calder from
the surrounding community.

There are also a number of partnership opportunities available to
communities that house these health-care facilities. For example,
Calder youth often volunteer at Sherbrooke Community Centre. This
partnership has proven beneficial to both the youth and residents of
the special care home.

We take the safety concerns of the Corman Park community seriously;
however, we want to reiterate the facts. As a health-care centre, we
have a high level of staffing that provides 24-hour supervision,
controlled access and continuous evaluation. We also work in
partnership with our neighbours to manage and respond to any and all
concerns.

We want to provide youth with a natural-type setting in Corman Park
that is large enough to allow for outdoor recreational opportunities
vital to their treatment process. These could include a skating rink,
basketball court, baseball diamond and a sweat lodge or cultural centre.

We believe this project will make a real difference in the lives of
youth. Experience has shown that community is crucial to the success
and healing of youth trying to overcome addictions. We are trying to
create a safe and supportive environment for them to get better and
become productive community members.

GREG DRUMMOND

Director, Mental Health & Addiction Services

Saskatoon Health Region