Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jun 2007
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: John Amon

DRUGS THE PROBLEM, NOT A FAMILY'S FENCE

Only in Victoria! Parents build a fence around their home to protect
their young children from drug paraphernalia left by addicts.

The city bureaucracy refuses to grant an exemption for the fence,
which the rules permit.

Coun. Pam Madoff criticizes the parents for not appealing earlier to
council and for not seeking her advice, while implying nothing would
have been done anyway.

She also says that drug paraphernalia is an issue throughout Victoria
and is not unique to Vic West.

Exactly. As a grandparent to five young children, I question why the
city is so quick to respond to a single complaint about a fence bylaw
infraction but does nothing to police rampant drug abuse and the
consequent crime associated with it.

I applaud the efforts of this family and urge the city to grant them
the exemption they seek.

John Amon,

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Derek