Price Tag Doubles To $100,000 OSHAWA - The escalating costs and unpopular conclusions of a City-commissioned study on methadone clinics has some members of Oshawa's development services committee asking for a refund. Planning consultant Scott Burns's final report on methadone clinics in the central business district was delivered to the City last week accompanied by a letter asking for funds to cover additional expenses incurred in its completion. The original $50,000 price tag had already been raised to $60,000 after the draft report was delivered earlier this year and council asked for more public and political input into the study's conclusions. [continues 359 words]
Discussion With Clinic Will Continue OSHAWA - The battle against a local methadone clinic's relocation raged on last week in spite of the clinic's entrenchment in its new downtown home. In an effort to make sure the City is not faced with a similar fight in the future, Oshawa councillors made plans to change the way development is done downtown and how methadone clinics are dealt with in this city. Councillors also directed the City's lawyer to propose a meeting with the Oshawa clinic's representatives to continue to explore relocation options. [continues 576 words]
But Consultant Says Clinic's Location Not Problematic OSHAWA - The draft summary of a City-commissioned consultants' study suggests the downtown may very well be an appropriate location for a methadone clinic. But, while the local clinic's owner claims the study vindicates him, one of Oshawa council's more vocal opponents to the opiate addiction treatment centre's relocation said errors in the draft might call into question some of its conclusions. The study itself stems from the City's interim-control bylaw blocking the move of King Street's First Step Medical Clinic, which provides methadone maintenance therapy to opiate addicts, to a downtown location on Simcoe Street north of Athol. [continues 655 words]
Ruling Sets Limits On Helicopter Use Of Heat-Seeking Equipment Just how far should police be allowed to go to determine if illegal activity is going on in your home? That was the issue when the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled unanimously that the indiscriminate use of heat-seeking technology by police helicopters was an invasion of privacy. The three-judge panel decided the technology can still be used but only after police first obtain a search warrant. Section 8 of Schedule B, Part 1 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: "Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure." Judge Rosalie Abella stated the "nature of the intrusiveness is subtle but almost Orwellian in its theoretical capacity." [continues 352 words]
To the editor: Re: 'Ruling takes air out of drug unit,' Jan. 29, 2003. I'm a new resident to Oshawa. After reading the article on Air 1's dismantling of its 'heat-seeking technology', I felt compelled to voice my opinion... and that is all it is. Moving here from Toronto, I admire the surveillance this city has working for it. The politicians and Toronto police can't seem to even put a helicopter into the air... never mind having a system in place that will assist them in properly charging drug-infested pot labs. [continues 60 words]
WHITBY - George Chuvalo's huge heart was his calling card in decades of heavyweight fights, when the Toronto boxer never once went down. But the battles in the ring don't hold a candle to the horrible tragedies the 65-year-old has endured in his family life. Between 1985 and 1996, Mr. Chuvalo lost three sons, one to suicide and two to drug overdoses. He also lost his first wife, who killed herself shortly after the death of her second son in 1993. [continues 684 words]
WHITBY - Prevention of hydro theft from marijuana grow homes may be revolutionizing energy technology in Whitby. With about $500,000 of theft associated with marijuana grow houses over the past year in town, Whitby Hydro Electric Corporation, in partnership with Stratacon Inc. of Vaughan, has developed a new metering system eliminating meters on the sides of residential homes. A new digital system, measuring use at the transformer, will put an end to hydro theft according to Whitby Hydro representatives. Other benefits will include energy conservation and the ability to purchase energy by an hourly rate. [continues 337 words]
But Owner Claims City Didn't Move Quick Enough OSHAWA - The owner of a downtown methadone clinic says he was willing to negotiate a move to a different location but the City didn't make enough of an effort. First Step Medical Clinic, which treats addicts using methadone, had been operating from a King Street West location just outside the downtown for the last five years. An attempt by the clinic to move to a downtown location on Simcoe Street South just north of King was blocked by City council when several councillors claimed methadone treatment is associated with a host of social problems they do not want downtown. Council then imposed an interim control bylaw and began a study on whether methadone clinics are appropriate in the downtown central business district. However, in August the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) overturned the bylaw claiming there was no planning rationale for council's decision. Council has subsequently appealed that decision. [continues 713 words]
Councillor Wants Clinic To Move To Different Location OSHAWA - A study commissioned by the City to review methadone clinics and whether they are appropriate downtown will broaden its scope by including a look at more clinics and a public meeting where all Oshawa residents can have their say. Originally expected to be complete by Nov. 30, consultant Scott Burns addressed council Tuesday asking for an extension, a change to the number of clinics the study would be reviewing, and up to an additional $10,000 to be added to the study's $50,000 price tag. He received approval from council on all three requests and will now have until the end of February to complete his study. [continues 302 words]
Simcoe Street Location Opened Monday OSHAWA - An Oshawa methadone clinic has finally made its much-debated move downtown. On Monday, First Step Medical Clinic, which treats opiate addicts using methadone, began seeing patients at its new 32 Simcoe St. S. address after moving from its previous home just blocks away on King Street West. Clinic pharmacist Komal Khosla said the clinic made a specific effort to move in as "as quietly as possible" last weekend, so patients wouldn't have to deal with media attention and public interest. [continues 620 words]
Clinic Well Within Rights to Operate Downtown By the time the City's fight to prevent First Step methadone clinic from moving into downtown Oshawa comes to an end, the final bill for taxpayers could hit half-a-million dollars. That's the informal estimate a City councillor has come up with to tally up the total cost for all the studies, legal bills and appeals in addition to paying the legal costs for the clinic (should the City lose its Ontario Municipal Board appeal). [continues 338 words]
OSHAWA -- A local addiction treatment professional says the real issues have been lost in the shuffle during the City's battle over the relocation of a downtown methadone clinic. Paul McGary, Pinewood Centre's program leader, says there are tremendous benefits to methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and users of this particular medical service are being discriminated against by local politicians who oppose the clinic's move. First Step Medical Clinic, which treats opiate addicts using methadone, an opiate that doesn't produce a high, was operating without complaint from the City for close to five years on King Street West at Nassau Street. Plans to move the clinic to a new location, just blocks away in the old National Trust building on Simcoe Street just north of Athol Street, were thwarted by City council. An interim control bylaw was put in place to stop the move until the City had determined whether methadone clinics were an appropriate use in the downtown area. [continues 576 words]
To the editor: Re: 'Police chief's position on pot criticized,' letters from Sept. 18, 2002. If the letters, predominantly from the U.S., are a fair representation of the letters you received, it is apparent the pro-pot lobby is much better organized than the majority of people I talk to in Durham Region. While there are many impairments to rational judgment, both alcohol and pot have the potential as major hallucinogenics and consequently put others and their property directly at risk from those whose judgment is distorted. [continues 206 words]
To the editor: Re: 'City needs to keep fighting methadone clinic,' letter of Sept. 13, 2002 from Susan Shetler. The recent paranoia surrounding the relocation of Oshawa's methadone clinic is becoming absurd. The latest letter from Susan Shetler is a prime example. Ms. Shetler notes "it would be one of the largest of its kind in Oshawa!" Since there is only one clinic in Oshawa, it could also be designated as "the smallest of its kind in Oshawa." She goes on to ask, "How will we possibly keep our city secure and safe when clinics of this kind move to our downtown core?" [continues 253 words]
To the editor: Re: 'Push to legalize pot foolish move,' Crystal Crimi column of Sept. 18, 2002, The Canadian Statesman. The recent opinion article holds true to its journalistic purpose, which is - - simply put - an opinion. The columnist, Crystal Crimi, raises several controversial issues surrounding the legalization of the plant, while tackling commonly asked questions. However, she defends her argument with several irrelevant and isolated points. Ms. Crimi insinuates that conservative use of cigarettes and alcohol poses little or no threat, as she mentions a person's thought pattern cannot change by having only one cigarette. It seems she has forgotten the addictive properties of nicotine - one smoke could get most people hooked, which in turn does change someone's thought pattern. [continues 241 words]
To the editor: Re: 'Police chief's position on pot criticized,' Sept. 18, 2002. Chief Kevin McAlpine's position is perfectly sane, and from a historical perspective, it may be noted societies which have had unfettered access to daga, cannabis, or any of its derivatives have had the distinction to have been among the most primitive. It may also be said historically, that during periods of enlightenment and Renaissance, cannabis usage was virtually irrelevant. R.H. Posma, Oshawa [end]
To the editor: Re: 'Snuffing out medicinal marijuana is the wrong move,' Dr. Gifford-Jones column of Sept. 15. It is very good to see articles such as this one. If people were more educated on marijuana they would realized it is actually less harmful and addictive than most legal drugs (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine). The government has no sensible reason to keep marijuana illegal - especially for medical purposes. If they want more proof of how beneficial it actually is they just need to ask any one of the thousands of people across Canada who use it - make that need it - to stop their pain. Jamie Dart Oshawa [end]
To the Editor: The prohibition of marijuana stands between many drug warriors becoming ex-drug warriors working at quickie marts. Drug warriors will do anything and everything in their power to make sure the drug war never ends. Kirk Muse Mesa, AZ [end]
To the Editor: Truth to tell, the drug-warrior politicians, officials, media and civilians 'secretly' don't list victory as an objective in their expensive and oppressive trillion-dollar war. When they do spout their "zero tolerance/total victory" rhetoric, how many of your readers actually believe them? How many actually believe that this year's multi-billion dollar drug war budget will be the one that will achieve total victory after decades of billion-dollar budgets have totally failed? Just remember the drug czars' and warriors' jobs depend on the perpetual prosecution of, but never a victory in, the drug war. Myron Von Hollingsworth Fort Worth, Texas [end]
To the Editor: Despite a few officials' misgivings, the Canadian Senate's recommendation to legalize responsible cannabis use is a wise one. The criminalization of cannabis has filled jails with otherwise law-abiding citizens, inspired disdain for the law among youth and made organized criminals extremely rich. Increased enforcement has only exacerbated the situation. By regulating the market, we can place proper age controls on the use of cannabis, and take it out of the hands of black market drug dealers. Government resources currently spent on enforcement can be diverted to education and treatment. And most importantly, we can stop locking up productive citizens who use cannabis responsibly - thus saving a jail cell for a real criminal. Adam Wiggins, Pasadena, CA [end]
Contrary to what Durham Regional Police Chief Kevin McAlpine believes, there have been numerous studies. A prominent U.S. researcher, John P. Morgan of City University of New York Medical School, told the Senate Committee smoking marijuana does not seem to cause lung cancer, emphysema or cause birth anomalies in fetuses. Wayne Phillips Hamilton, Ont. [end]
To the Editor: The 'just say no' moralizing crusade of Nancy Reagan has about run its course even if Chief Kevin McAlpine is still singing its virtues. "Moderation in all things" is the timeless Shakespearian advice the Senate expounds. Sober second thought indeed. Not to mention a great big thank-you to the Senate for recommending 16 as the age threshold. Waiting until teens are old enough to leave home is the stupidest way to introduce them to all the temptations vice has to offer. Do you really want your kid to get his moral lessons on the evils of overindulgence from his peers? I want first crack at my kid when s/he gets drunk for the first time, I want first crack when s/he has the first smoke and I want to be the first one teaching them about the evils of pleasure drugs. How will our children learn responsibility if we don't allow them to make a mistake or two when they are at home? Chris Buors Winnipeg, Man. [end]
Chief skeptical of Senate findings DURHAM - Just say 'no.' That, says Durham Regional Police Chief Kevin McAlpine, should be Ottawa's response to a controversial Senate committee report calling for the legalization of marijuana. The Region's top cop yesterday slammed the recommendation to make pot possession legal, echoing the position of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). A 600-page report released Wednesday by the Senate committee says marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and calls on Ottawa to make it legally available to anyone over 16 years, younger than the legal age to buy cigarettes. [continues 207 words]
To the editor: We hear about our City and Downtown Board of Management constantly trying to clean up and beautify our downtown area. Then, we get news about this proposed methadone clinic which I understand councillors opposed. The Ontario Municipal Board decides this clinic can locate in downtown and, in fact, it would be one of the largest of its kind in Oshawa! What is going on? How will we possibly keep our city secure and safe when clinics of this kind move to our downtown core? I trust our City councillors will fight long and hard to keep our city core presentable and safe. I applaud Councillor Louise Parkes for leading the battle! Susan Shetler Oshawa [end]
New Challenges, New Initiatives For Regional Police DURHAM - The number-one threat to public safety is not violent crime, but something far more commonplace, says Durham Regional Police Chief Kevin McAlpine. "In terms of bad news, the area where the majority of our citizens get hurt is traffic accidents," said the chief during his quarterly update to regional council Wednesday. "Our impact on fatalities and collisions is not where we would like it to be," added the chief, who says the force is targeting road safety as a priority. [continues 379 words]
City Councillor Calls For Colleagues To Appeal Decision OSHAWA - A methadone treatment clinic, the largest of its kind in Canada, can move into the downtown thanks to a recent Ontario Municipal Board decision. But some City councillors and downtown residents and merchants, opposed to the clinic's location in the core area, want Oshawa council to appeal that ruling to the provincial divisional court. On Aug. 26, two board members, who heard evidence at a July hearing, released their decision, ruling the City had no planning rationale to support a restrictive interim control bylaw, passed early this year. The board ordered the bylaw repealed. [continues 877 words]
Hearing Wraps Up Friday, Decision To Come Later OSHAWA - An Ontario Municipal Board hearing opened Monday into the case of a downtown methadone clinic, which has been prevented from setting up in a new location by a municipal temporary control bylaw. On the same day, just hours later, City council finally approved a consultant to determine whether clinics for the treatment of opiate-dependant or narcotic-dependant people are appropriate uses in the central business district. The study came about after council in February passed the interim control bylaw, which has frozen the building permit for the clinic's new location on Simcoe Street South. [continues 441 words]
Lawsuit Claims Wrongful Expulsion; Asks for $250,000 in Damages DURHAM -- An Uxbridge student and his parents are suing the Durham District School Board, five of its trustees and three staff members, seeking $250,000 in damages and the clearing of the pupil's record. At issue is the expulsion of the student, now 18, in January 2001. While he has since been readmitted, the defendants claim he was expelled based on unproven information from Durham Regional Police, and that the board bungled the expulsion hearing, violating the Education Act. [continues 581 words]
To the editor: Re: 'A new war on drugs,' story, April 12. No society can shift its thinking to a drug-free approach when they have been taught since childhood to believe they can't live without drugs. As long as society makes a distinction between legal and illegal drugs, the war on drugs will never be won. Having the mindset that some drugs are deemed harmful and illegal while others, prescribed by a doctor, are believed to be safe, has had fatal consequences. [continues 111 words]
Forty-Seven Pot Labs Busted In Just The First Four Months Of 2002. At an average of 1,000 plants worth $300,000, that's more than $14 million of marijuana taken off the streets by the Durham Regional Police Service. What's the total effect on the availability of weed by this massive effort to stop pot growers? Zero. This battle in the war on drugs is a complete and utter waste of time, money, and effort. Police officials are banging their heads against a brick wall. They continue to bust grow-op after grow-op and it's all just a drop in the bucket. Marijuana is as readily available to those who want it as it was before these plants were confiscated. [continues 339 words]
Project Xchange Stresses By Helping To 'Reduce The Harm' Of Drug Use, It Keeps The Entire Community Safe DURHAM -- Beth Whalen is on the front lines of Canada's latest battle in the war on drugs. But, unlike previous battles, this one is not being fought against the drug users or the drug dealers. It's not being fought with police raids on drug labs and growing operations or by arresting those who import and export the illegal products either. In fact, this battle is being fought alongside the addicts and dealers in an attempt to reduce the societal ills caused by drugs and addiction. It's a new fight known as harm reduction; an attempt at reducing the harm associated with drugs and abuse. [continues 1769 words]
Downtown Businesses Against The Move OSHAWA - The proposed relocation of a local methadone clinic is raising concerns among local merchants and some councillors. For more than two hours Monday, City councillors questioned the doctor and pharmacist involved in the treatment of people addicted to opiates and also heard from downtown merchants about the new home of the clinic. Operating for close to five years on King Street at Nassau Street, the clinic will be moving to the old National Trust building on Simcoe Street just north of Athol Street. The building owner has applied for a building permit which City staff said could be issued by the end of the week. That matter will be debated in a special development services committee and council meetings Wednesday afternoon. [continues 748 words]
