B.C. ABANDONS RULES ON RECOVERY HOMES

The province officially backed out of "supportive recovery" last month,
leaving Surrey city officials wondering how to regulate them.

The province passed an order in council that as of Dec. 12, recovery homes
"will no longer be required to comply with the Community Care Facilities Act."

The Act, amended two years ago to include recovery homes, introduced for
the first time strict operating guidelines, including on-site nursing,
adequate diet and building requirements.

That, in conjunction with a city bylaw, reduced the number of facilities in
Surrey from more than 50 to 15.

Now that provincial regulations have been dissolved, Surrey must create a
new bylaw to manage the homes-including The Launching Pad, subject of much
controversy since it relocated to 10th Avenue at 160th Street in South Surrey.

A staff report to city council Monday outlines challenges that lie ahead.
"Without provincial licensing to complement the city's regulations (the
current approach is) no longer considered effective in dealing with the
interests of the community and the clients of recovery houses," the report
states.

Current applications for city rezoning will be on hold until a new bylaw is
endorsed by council, likely this fall or next spring.

Victoria's retreat from the process represents a significant setback for
Surrey, which has been trying to deal with problem recovery homes since 1997.

At that time, reports of the mistreatment of clients abounded. In a Nov. 21
letter to the ministry, city council expressed several concerns about the
lack of provincial licensing requirements.

"In the absence of provincial licensing system, covering all levels of drug
and alcohol care, it is probable Surrey will, again, experience a wide
proliferation of unauthorized, poorly operated alcohol and drug recovery
houses," the letter states.

Coun. Dianne Watts, public safety committee chair, expressed disappointment
the province backed away despite the city's concerns.

She's encouraged, however, that the ministry of Health is working with the
city to draft new local regulations.

"I'd rather have a consultation process than none," Watts said Monday.

"I've got probably four full files that I can let them have (outlining) all
of the problems we've had to deal with."

The ministry will consult with Surrey between March and October.

Meantime, the 12-client home in South Surrey has a stay of execution, as
the city works out a new battle plan.

The Launching Pad at 984 160 St., has teetered on closure for months as
lawyers from the city and recovery home argue zoning language.

As of Monday, Launching Pad will remain open until the city drafts a new bylaw.