Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jul 2012 Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2012, Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.intelligencer.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332 Author: W. Brice McVicar CITY COULD GAIN FLEXIBILITY ON METHADONE CLINICS Belleville could have the "maximum amount of flexibility" in deciding where methadone clinics are located should a move to alter the zoning process be approved by council. The city's planning advisory committee has approved zoning bylaw amendments defining drug rehabilitation centres, methadone clinics and methadone dispensaries. Under former bylaws the city would often amend zoning requests stipulating such facilities could not be included as uses. The proposed changes would mean anyone looking to open such a facility would have to be site-specific in their request for zoning. "This gives the city the maximum amount of flexibility when such a request comes forward," said Rod Bovay, the city's director of engineering and development services. The changes came after a staff report earlier this year in which the committee was told it would be to the city's benefit to define such uses, so they can be differentiated from other medical office and clinic uses. Dr. Brian Hadley, who operates the First Step Clinic in the city's east end, told the committee the new definitions were appropriate but noted concern over the site-specific approach. He said methadone has become a major issue in the city with his clinic serving more than 230 clients and approximately 100 at the downtown site. "If we had to relocate," Hadley said, "that's leaving a lot of people without service." Greg Pinchin, the city's special projects planner, explained the proposed changes would simply mean applicants would have to apply for one of the specific uses. The committee, he said, would have to determine if the request was appropriate for the location. Bovay expanded on Pinchin's comment stating the process would be specific to the site and such a clinic would require the proper zoning identification. "This way, we can review each one on its own merit," he said. Coun. Jack Miller said it may be helpful if the city created specific criteria such applicants would have to meet in order to get the zoning. Bovay said doing that would "paint the city into a corner" while the site-specific approach allows for more flexibility when it comes to applications. The suggested changes will be forwarded to city council for further discussion and, possibly, approval. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom