Pubdate: Wed, 19 Oct 2005
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920

THIS SHOULD BE IT

After years of being bandied about, a workable plan as to where to 
put a detox centre in this city is finally on the table.

The Safe Harbour Society has a new location for the municipal 
planning commission to consider late this month - 5246 - 53 Ave.

The building, currently home to EMCO Supplies, is located across from 
A&B Sound. EMCO plans to move next summer.

If the proposal survives the stringent approval process, which 
includes public hearings next month, the 20-bed detox centre would be 
in operation by late 2006.

Prior to that, a temporary centre would be set up at 4809 - 48 Ave. downtown.

Already, and not surprisingly, the proposed site has attracted 
controversy - with local businesses voicing concern and support. It's 
encouraging to see some owners give the concept the green light, but 
the not-in-my-backyard argument from others is getting tiresome.

While the inevitable arguments heat up, everyone has to remember that 
time is running out on this project.

AADAC plans to pull its promised and critical $750,000 in annual 
funding if plans aren't firmly in place by Jan. 1.

What's the scenario going to be then?

This is a growing city with the problems that reality brings with it 
- - including growing drug use and the prevalent vice of addiction.

Red Deer simply isn't the quiet, relatively problem-free little town 
it once was. A detox centre is urgently needed -- it's high time the 
city had this kind of service, particularly with reports of rising 
drug use across the region.

Unfortunately, where to put it has met with constant opposition - 
some based on reason and much based on irrational fear.

The Scott Block, right in the heart of downtown, was floated past the 
community last year, but vigorous opposition promptly nixed the proposal.

This year, a proposal to transform the former EXH Engineering 
building into a detox centre was suggested, approved, and later 
thrown out after a storm of complains from local residents.

It was the latest in a long list of potential sites -- locations have 
been brought forward for years now, from the Buffalo Hotel downtown 
to spots in Riverside Industrial Park, Riverside Meadows or (least 
viable of all) the old Michener Building - far from where addicts are 
likely to congregate.

Granted, it's a sensitive, emotional issue tapping into many areas of 
a community's consciousness - not just safety concerns, but opinions 
on social responsibility.

Some have pointed out that an addict's fight is simply not society's 
responsibility; others feel we have no choice but to lend a helping 
hand - no matter the risks.

It's uncomfortable to tread into the cloudy territory of what we owe 
each other, but we again have to ask ourselves how far are we willing 
to go to help those battling addictions?

Let's hope the desire to help others locked in addiction finally 
overcomes the litany of often unfounded fears a detox centre brings with it.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman