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.
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