Pubdate: Wed, 13 Dec 2006
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Tracy Clark

CITY'S DRUG PLAN CARRIES A COST

Penticton's mayor says funding has yet to be committed to bring into 
fruition goals set out in the substance abuse task force action plan.

The action plan's three-pronged approach to reducing drugs in the 
community -- education, enforcement and treatment -- calls for, among 
other items, additional RCMP and a new rehabilitation and detox 
centre for the South Okanagan.

Coun. Garry Litke said while some of the items on the action plan do 
not require additional funding and are already under way -- including 
the promotion of the Prevention Awareness and Community Education 
crystal meth program through the city's website and increased 
promotion of the crime-free multi housing project -- other items may 
take years to implement.

Mayor Jake Kimberley said the city and province only committed 
funding to the substance abuse task force for a public education 
campaign, which was completed this year.

However, he said, when the substance abuse task force was formed, the 
city realized there would be further "cost implications."

"We will have to face those implications and see what we can 
accommodate this year," he said, adding that the city's budget for 
2007 is very tight.

One of the first items listed on the action plan, which includes 
short-, mid- and long-term goals, points to a need to increase 
policing in the community.

In 2006 the city approved funding for two new RCMP officers, although 
the RCMP requested three.

"The additional officer is still on the books," said Kimberley, 
adding that one RCMP officer costs the city about $110,000 per year, 
or about a one per cent tax hike for residents. "It's something 
council should give full consideration to."

Increased enforcement targeting the drug community would likely 
reduce overall costs to the city, as drugs are connected to the 
majority of property crimes in the city.

"Crime is a cost to municipality," said Kimberley.

Aside from increasing enforcement reducing substance abuse in the 
community also requires better treatment options. According to Litke, 
"the first priority" for the task force is the creation of a rehab 
and detox centre in the South Okanagan.

While the Salvation Army and Pathways Addiction Resource Centre "are 
doing the best they can,"additional services are needed.

The action plan calls for a meeting between the city, Penticton 
Indian Band and the regional district to determine a location for a 
centre and address the need for funding. The centre needs to be at 
the top of everyone's agenda, said Litke, adding that rehab and detox 
centres have major cost implications and will require the support of 
the province. It will likely take years to bring into fruition, he said.

Also listed on the action plan, which Litke said he will introduce in 
an upcoming council meeting, is writing to the appropriate levels of 
government about the importation of psuedoephedrine, the drug used in 
making crystal meth. Locally the chamber of commerce has already 
helped take action by posting the retailers guide for sale of this legal drug.

Litke also hopes council will partner with the school district on 
several initiatives, including educating local youth about dangers of 
crystal meth and Datura and creating an information CD on parenting 
strategies to prevent drug abuse.

The action plan also calls for the city to work with Interior Health 
to promote existing programs and for the city to advocate for more 
resources for the community.

The substance abuse task force was created by Kimberley in January 
and made up of representatives from the city, RCMP, schools, health 
community and community associations.

The task force was disbanded following the release of the action plan 
and its mandate has been transferred to the social development 
advisory committee.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom