Pubdate: Thu, 20 Jan 2011
Source: Alliston Herald (CN ON)
Copyright: 2011 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/generalform
Website: http://www.simcoe.com/community/alliston
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2224
Author: Maija Hoggett
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

METHADONE CLINIC COULD BE SETTING UP DOWNTOWN ALLISTON

ALLISTON - Downtown Alliston business owners have concerns and are 
even threatening to close if a methadone treatment clinic opens on 
Victoria Street West.

Incoming chair of the Alliston Business Improvement Association 
Janette Vander Zaag told New Tecumseth council Monday night that 
renovations are being made to a unit at 96 Victoria St. W. for a 
methadone clinic. The unit is accessed at the back of the building, 
where there are also entrances for Curves and the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

She said the clinic will be run by Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC).

Methadone is used to treat opiate addiction, which includes people 
dependent on heroin, methadone, Percocet, OxyContin and morphine, 
among other drugs.

Vander Zaag said a contractor was working in the unit without the 
proper town permits. Because of that the contractors were issued a 
stop-work order.

As the owner of Groundswell Coffeehouse, also located at 96 Victoria 
St. W., she said if the methadone clinic goes ahead at that location 
she won't continue business there. She said other downtown business 
owners have also expressed concern.

While not opposed to a methadone clinic in general, Vander Zaag said 
she is opposed to having it in the downtown core. Vander Zaag is set 
to make a complete deputation to council about her concerns with the 
methadone treatment clinic at Monday night's council meeting, which 
starts at 7 p.m. in council chambers, 10 Wellington St. E.

The location for the clinic falls in Ward 1, which is represented by 
Coun. Bob Marrs, who said he hasn't received any phone calls 
concerning the clinic yet.

The first time he heard about the clinic was at the committee of the 
whole meeting Monday night.

"I need more information before getting involved in it," said Marrs, 
adding he has been looking into the treatment this week.

The OATC has not responded to requests to talk about the Alliston 
clinic. The OATC website boasts being "the country's largest network 
of methadone clinics." They also have clinics in Barrie and Newmarket.

In Alliston, the Alliston Family Pharmacy on Parsons Road has been 
dispensing physician prescribed methadone to clients for about five years.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom