Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 Source: Record, The (Kitchener, CN ON) Copyright: 2013 Metroland Media Group Ltd. Contact: http://www.therecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225 Author: Terry Pender METHADONE CLINIC IRRITATES BUSINESSES Kitchener Council Calls for Restrictions on Number of Clinics Allowed in One Area KITCHENER - As a third methadone clinic preparers to open on King Street East, city councillors made a symbolic show of support Monday night for a couple of business owners who are upset about it. "I don't think this resolution is going to do anything," Coun. Zyg Janecki said of the motion that was tabled by Coun. Daniel Glenn-Graham. Graham's motion calls on the operators of methadone clinics to voluntarily keep their operations at least three kilometres from each other in the future. Graham and Coun. Frank Etherington tabled the motion yesterday after learning last week that a third methadone clinic is about to open on King Street East. There is a clinic operating now in the strip mall at King Street East and Sydney Street. The new clinic will open one block from that location. There is a pharmacy at King and Cedar streets that dispenses methadone. "We need to show the people in the area we support them," Coun. John Gazzola said before voting in favour of the move. "I think two in one block is beyond the pale, it is just too much." Etherington said. Heather Anderson, who owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 1211 King St. E., told councillors she is very concerned. "I don't understand why we need three methadone clinics within a couple of minutes of each other," Anderson said. Mary Tutuianu, who owns Simply Elegant Flowers at 1167 King St. E., said neighbours should have a say in whether a methadone clinic sets up in an area. "I was told the clinic is there whether we like it or not because they have rights," Tutuianu said. She appears to be right. As long as the area is zoned for medical clinics, a methadone clinic can locate there. And that zoning is in place for much of the city, Alain Pinnard, the head of planning, told city councillors. If the area is properly zoned, the city cannot deny the operator of a methadone clinic the permits needed to open up, Pinnard said. "I think it's ridiculous we have no ability to set limits," Coun. Scott Davey said. At the request of Coun. Berry Vrbanovic, city staff will look at creating two definitions for medical clinics - one that dispenses methadone and one that does not. Methadone clinics are popping up in neighbourhoods around the province. The widespread addiction to opioids has driven the demand for methadone, which reduces the cravings for the narcotic painkillers. The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons calls opiod addiction the most pressing public health concern in Ontario today. About three people a week in Ontario die of overdoses from opioids. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom