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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom