Pubdate: Wed, 07 Dec 2005
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920
Author: Erin Fawcett

DETOX SITE APPROVED

Tears were shed as Red Deer city council approved the community's
first detoxification centre after a two-hour public hearing Monday
night.

"It's so good, it's just so good, it's just been a long time," said a
speechless Kath Hoffman, residential director for the Safe Harbour
Society.

The new site for the 20-bed non-medical detox centre and 20-mat
overnight shelter will be located at 5246-53 Ave, behind A & B Sound.

City council unanimously approved a rezoning bylaw that allows for the
new site.

A temporary eight-bed detox centre will be open by Jan.
16.

The temporary site will be located on the top floor at 4809-48
Ave.

It will not include an overnight shelter.

The permanent detox centre and 20-mat overnight shelter will be put
together at the new site by the fall.

The detox centre will serve adults who have chosen to stop using drugs
or alcohol, by providing them with a supportive drug and alcohol free
environment while their bodies detoxify and return to a healthier state.

"People who are in detox will stay between five and 15 days depending
on what they have been using," said Hoffman. "Visitors are discouraged
during their stay."

The detox centre will be staffed 24/7 while the overnight shelter will
be open and staffed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.

City planners told council that letters had been mailed or handed out
to business owners in the immediate area of the proposed detox centre.

Some concerns from neighbouring businesses include client loitering,
an increase in crime, safety of employees and decreased property value.

Darren Pohl, owner of Heritage Chiropractic and Professional Spa,
which is located in the immediate area of the new site for the detox
centre spoke to city council at the public hearing.

"I will insist and pursue that there is some ongoing communication in
regards to staff safety, safety of the other business owners and their
staff in the local area," he said.

Ron Woodward, president of Red Deer College as well as chair of the
United Way campaign said a detox centre is strongly needed in the city.

Hoffman said the proposed detox centre has received strong support
from the David Thompson Health Region as well as the RCMP and the
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

Safe Harbour will receive a $750,000 annual grant for three years from
AADAC to operate the centre.

During the discussion, Councillor Larry Pimm was overcome with emotion
as he told the story of a young girl he taught in school years ago who
recently died due to drug abuse.

"It's emotional for me because I think of one particular individual
who would have continued to be a wonderful citizen in our community
but isn't with us anymore," said Pimm.

After the detox centre was unanimously approved by city council,
Hoffman said she felt a sense of relief and joy.

"We've had so many false starts that we've been hesitant in making too
many decisions, and now we have to make decisions as far as ordering
furniture and beds and getting things ready for the temporary site to
have it open by January 16," she said. "We have a lot of work to do
before then." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake