Pubdate: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2005, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://torontosun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: Zen Ruryk, City Hall Bureau Chief Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms) COUNCIL OKS NEW TACK IN WAR ON DRUGS The city will go ahead with a controversial drug strategy that includes a study of setting up safe injection sites for addicts. Yesterday's 24-15 council vote also allows the city to expand "harm-reduction outreach strategies," including the distribution of safe crack-use kits -- pipes, screens and other items. By approving the new drug strategy, council also came out in support of seeing the federal government decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Maureen Gilroy, of Citizens for a Better Toronto, called the result "disgusting" and complained that syringes and other drug paraphernalia obtained through harm-reduction initiatives are showing up in parks. The Riverdale resident predicted it will only be a matter of time before the city sets up a safe injection site. Mayor's Dubious "To take a look at the feasibility of it means we're going to have a trial study which means it's going to be established," said Gilroy. "We know that; it's going to happen." Mayor David Miller has said it's unlikely safe injection sites will ever see the light of day because they're best suited for heroin addicts. Toronto is coping with a major crack cocaine problem. Councillor Kyle Rae said the federal government, Queen's Park, council and the police must all be in agreement before a safe injection site is introduced to a Toronto neighbourhood. "That's a pretty high standard that we'd have to meet -- the three levels (of government) and the police all agreeing to it," said Rae. "I think the fear-mongering is inappropriate; there would be a lot of hurdles to go through before you'd get anywhere near the establishment of a safe-injection site." In addition to harm-reduction initiatives, the plan relies on prevention, enforcement and treatment to tackle drug problems. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake