Pubdate: Tue, 31 Oct 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Jonathan Baker

CITY-RUN ADDICT SQUATS AREN'T THE ANSWER

Douglas Todd's column about NIABYs is a perfect example why some 
might consider it prudent to stay out of public life. Dripping 
sanctimony like molasses from a cold barrel, he compares people who 
worry about increasing crime in the neighbourhood to Americans who 
oppose illegal aliens and Republicans who run hate ads.

Vancouver has become the crime capital of Canada. Addiction has a lot 
to do with it. The problems in the Downtown Eastside spiral out of 
control. City hall has compounded the problem by closing down 
existing housing and forcing more people into the streets. Meanwhile, 
Mayor Sam Sullivan, between mumbles about eco-density, tells us that 
city hall has acquired 19 sites -- east side, west side and all 
around the town.

So there you have it. We are privileged to be part of the great 
metastasizing of addiction.

If I were confident that city hall and the Coastal Health Authority 
had an effective program to treat addicts in each neighbourhood, that 
would be one thing. I would support a residential treatment facility 
with doctors, nurses and other health professionals. I do not 
believe, however, that the city knows what it is doing on this issue. 
Until I am assured that the treatment offered will be effective and 
the neighbourhood will be safe, I will support NIABY in its efforts 
to demand something better than city-run addict squats.

Jonathan Baker

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Elaine