Pubdate: Sat, 14 Mar 2009
Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.intelligencer.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332
Author: Shelby Parker

DRUG SCENE HAS SCARRED DOWNTOWN

While some business owners may not believe the downtown core is a hot 
spot for drug users, they agree most city residents see it exactly that way.

Richard Belanger, owner of Scalliwag Toys, said he believes the 
downtown drug problem is a stereotype.

"It isn't just the downtown," said Belanger, who said if the police 
want to see more drug deals, they should be looking in the schools.

"It's seen (here) because people look for it more (in the downtown)," 
he said adding if people took that hard a look into their own 
neighbourhoods, they would see some drug activity.

Belanger said he hasn't seen any evidence of drugs in the downtown 
for about the last 10 years.

"Not around my store," he said. "Everyone thinks everything is 
downtown. Any part of the city could be worse."

Katherine Davis, owner of The Organic Underground, said the problem 
isn't with the downtown but with people failing to reach out to those in need.

"There absolutely is a big problem. People have stopped caring about 
people in need," said Davis, admitting the issue of drugs is a 
sensitive topic for her "We're forgetting that we're a community and 
that we should have a little empathy."

Her coffee shop is located next door to the Ontario Addiction 
Treatment Centre on Front Street. She said what the city needs is 
more programs to aid drug-addicted individuals.

Bryson Dockrill, owner of On-Site Computers, said he has a front row 
seat to the downtown drug problem.

"I have drug deals going on in front of my store, so yeah, I've 
noticed a drug problem," said Dockrill.

He said that the "beat cop" helps keep drugs under wraps, but 
unfortunately, as soon as the officer leaves, it's business as usual.

Dockrill, however, said being born and raised in Belleville, he knew 
opening a store downtown three years ago would have its challenges.

"I knew what I was getting into when I opened my store downtown," he said.

Peter Reedyk, manager of Chumleigh's, said he would guess about two 
to four per cent of the daily customers to his used CD and game shop 
are selling items to feed their habit.

"I can usually weed them out," said Reedyk, who said he knows some of 
the merchandise could be stolen.

It's a variety of people who come through his doors looking to make a 
few dollars from their used items.

"Some need a warm place to hang out, others seem desperate for cash," 
he said, and agreed that the city should be looking at the bigger 
picture when dealing with the individuals.

"If you move them from here, they'll go somewhere else," he said.

Reedyk is among those who believe that the problem may not be as bad 
as many residents think.

"We're a thriving downtown with some of the big city problems," he 
said. "It is a positive place, or else I wouldn't do business here."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom