Pubdate: Thu, 29 Oct 2009
Source: Cambridge Reporter, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 The Cambridge Reporter
Contact:  http://www.cambridge-reporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1470
Author: Kevin Swayze

NO WARM WELCOME FOR DRUG REHABILITATION CENTRE

CAMBRIDGE  - Neighbourhood distrust and hostility greeted proponents 
of a proposed drug rehabilitation centre across the street from Galt 
Collegiate Institute.

Officials from Hatts Off, a 25-year-old company proposing the 
residential treatment program, tried to soothe community concerns 
Wednesday night at a community meeting. It won't be a drop in centre 
where drugs are dispensed. Only "highly motivated" men ready to face 
their problems will be accepted for months of in-house treatment.

The assurances didn't sway most of the 60 people gathered in the 
Manchester Public School gymnasium.

Resident after resident expressed fears about addicts wandering the 
neighbourhood, endangering children or the clinic hurting property 
values of surrounding homes. Some said there's already trouble in the 
neighbourhood from existing groups homes for young people and a crack 
house on Water Street.

"You're not listening to us," said Janet Woodworth.

"You're jumping all around the issues.  Everything is completely brushed off."

The big stone house overlooking Water Street already has city zoning 
for a medical clinic, offices or a group home.  Hatts Off is applying 
for a specific extra use on the site, for a 10-bed private hospital 
to treat drug addicts. They would live there for several months while 
undergoing treatment.

Residents of Caverhill Manor program will be carefully screened and 
only allowed to stay if they stay drug free and ready to face their 
problems, said Gordon Naylor, executive director.

The program costs $10,000 a month, by referral only, so it won't be a 
drop in program or a drug dispensing methadone clinic.  It's 
important to integrate recovering addicts into a community, so they 
don't feel their fighting their battles alone, the meeting was told.

A couple of voices supported the value of the drug treatment 
facility, but negative comments were the norm. Many people threw 
questions one after another from the floor, despite efforts of Hatts 
Off officials to maintain order.

"I don't know where you're going to find people in this community who 
can afford this," said Sharon Fox.  "I don't know why we should be 
taking the problems from other communities."

Repeatedly, people asked for guarantees that the high-end treatment 
centre wouldn turn into a drop-in crisis centre when there aren't 
enough people able to pay $10,00 a month.  Naylor said there are long 
waiting lists for this kind of treatment, so there are no plans to 
change the business model.

Several people wondered why a drug treatment facility should be 
located across the street from a high school.

Earlier in the day, school principal Jane Currie expressed concern 
about the proposal.

"From my point of view, I've certainly got some concerns about safety 
for students with this proposal in the neighbourhood."

Another drop-in question-and-answer session is planned for Nov. 9 at 
the proposed Caverhill Manor, 20 Haddington St.

The issue goes to a meeting of city councillors Nov. 30, to hear 
public comment.  A city staff recommendation to council regarding the 
rezoning application would come to a city council vote early in the new year.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart