DRUG CENTRE FOUGHT

MLA To Ensure Community OK With Plan

A city MLA said he'll block provincial approval for an addictions
treatment centre in his northeast neighbourhood, arguing the facility
was snuck in without residents' knowledge.

Calgary Montrose MLA Hung Pham said he's been flooded with complaints
from Abbeydale residents outraged over the Fresh Start Addictions
Centre proposed for a duplex at 808 Abbeydale Dr. N.E.

"When you set up a centre like that, you should have consultation with
the people," Pham said, adding he hadn't heard anything about the
centre until a few days ago.

Pham said he'll block the granting of a social care facility licence,
which is required for the centre to open until residents have been
consulted and are happy with the plan. "If my constituents have no
problem, then I have no need to stop it," he said.

Following a meeting yesterday between Pham, the centre's operator and
concerned residents, Fresh Start executive director Bill Hart agreed
to meet later this month with Abbeydale residents concerned over
having recovering substance abusers and, possibly, parolees in a
neighbourhood with many kids.

"It is not a legal requirement as a special-care facility to go to
the community, but we had planned to do that anyway," said Hart. "It's
not being rammed down (the community's) throats."

Hart had initially hoped to open the centre in early March -- catering
to 18 clients who would live under strict guidelines, including a zero
tolerance for drugs and alcohol.