Pubdate: Fri, 14 Sep 2012
Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Maple Ridge News
Contact:  http://www.mapleridgenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328
Author: Tanya Robertson

'REGRETTING MY MOVE TO RIDGE'

Editor, The News:

Re: Tired of deteriorating downtown (The News, Sept. 12).

I moved to Maple Ridge in May with the knowledge it is a municipality 
in transition, with some growing pains, and have come to realize, a 
serious drug problem.

The Ridge Meadows RCMP are now on speed dial.

On any given day, at any given time, a walk through Reg Franklin Park 
or by Eric Langton elementary reveals how serious the problem is.

I am witness to numerous drug deals and drug users getting high.

Groups of teens use the park to gather and do drugs in the open, 
choosing not to hide the reality.

I have learned you have to have nerves of steel to walk your dog 
through the 'drug park'.

I could change the route I walk, but figure going left instead of 
right will just highlight that the problem is wide spread.

Purchasing a home in Maple Ridge was an investment that I am starting 
to regret.

My concern is that few homeowners are choosing Maple Ridge to reside 
in and the majority of buyers are renting their investment to drug 
dealers and sex trade workers.

It is frustrating that there doesn't seem to be a solution to the 
problem or enough resources.

It is unfortunate that a municipality nestled between the Fraser 
River with the Golden Ears Mountain peaks, as a beautiful backdrop, 
has such an ugly secret to hide.

Now is the time for action, for a solution, for the RCMP and district 
council to step up and put their skills to use.

Don't keep passing the buck.

Tanya Robertson

Maple Ridge
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom