Pubdate: Thu, 29 Oct 2009
Source: Cambridge Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Fairway Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.cambridgetimes.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3423

REHAB CENTRE ANGERS RESIDENTS

The company hoping to open an addictions rehabilitation centre for 
the greater good should be just be as concerned about the 
neighbhourhood, say angry residents.

That was the heated message delivered to officials of the Hatts Off 
company Wednesday night at a meeting unveiling the company's plans to 
open a rehab centre in an old home fronting Water Street across from 
Galt Collegiate Institute.

The company is seeking special zoning changes that would allow it to 
open a 10-bed addiction treatment centre called Caverhill Manor for 
professional, highly-motivated male clients. The program would cost 
$10,000 a month. Currently, the zoning allows for residential, 
commercial or clinical use.

After finding out the company already owns the property, some told 
officials that if they really care about the community they would 
drop their plans.

"Do the right corporate thing and put a for sale sign on the lawn," 
said Dan Banks.

Another woman threatened legal action if her home daycare business 
failed should parents decide the centre posed a safety risk.

"I'm telling you right now," she said, "I'll sue you."

Hatts Off executive director Gordon Naylor tried to alleviate fears 
by explaining that the program won't be a drop-in model and that 
those undergoing treatment would be supervised by mentors or staff if 
out in the community. He also insisted the centre wouldn't take in 
sex offenders or anyone with criminal histories.

Of the 70 residents who gathered in the gymnasium at Manchester 
Public School Wednesday, only a handful spoke in favour of the 
proposal. The rest argued the centre would decrease property values, 
pose a safety risk to children, and would be too close to local 
elementary and secondary schools.

Many said there are already several group homes, a homeless shelter 
and a crack house in the neighbourhood. Some suggested the location 
would be nothing but a temptation for clients because drugs are 
readily accessible.

Naylor said the facility would only take clients by referral and each 
would be screened based on motivation and commitment levels. He added 
that the company, which has been in business for 25 years and 
operates many facilities, has long waiting lists. Those who aren't 
genuinely interested in overcoming addictions won't be accepted, he said.

"We don't take them, we don't need to take them and we don't want to 
take them."

The facility would also employee a zero-tolerance policy for drug and 
alcohol use, insisted officials, and wouldn't rely on alternate drug 
therapies to wean abusers off their addictions.

He also said the company works hard to develop good relationships 
with neighbours.

Hatts Off will be holding a drop-in information session at the home, 
its entrance on 20 Haddington St., on Nov. 9.

The public will have a chance to have its say again when the 
company's application for rezoning goes before city councillors on Nov. 30.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart