Let me start off by saying, I am not opposed to helping people; I am, however, opposed to drug addicts running rampant in my neighbourhood, stealing, driving recklessly, and defecating on our yards (yes, I'm serious about that last part).
Today, I learned that the ban on harm reduction was lifted, and prior to the lift, methadone clinics and needle exchanges were forbidden to operate within Abbotsford. Unfortunately, that only allows the following questions to arise:
1. Does that mean that said establishments are above the law?
2. Do city council members listen to the public at all?
I have lived in Abbotsford for the past 5 years, and most of those years have been spent living quite close to a methadone clinic. While I don't doubt the system helps many, it also draws in those that have no plans to come clean, this includes drug dealers and gang members. What used to be a quaint, happy neighbourhood is now one where it is unsafe to venture outside. There's a constant fear of being struck by a driver who has either just received their dose (it's illegal to drive after taking it) or is racing to get their next hit; not only that, but I am constantly finding used syringes, and having to call the police to remove people shooting up in front of my house! There are a lot of young children in the neighbourhood, and they don't need to see that!
As previously stated, I'm not against people receiving help, but it shouldn't be like this. Why can't I go outside without feeling threatened? How has this methadone clinic managed to sneak under the radar and remain open despite the supposed ban?
If you want these establishments, put them somewhere like the industrial area, or heck, at this point, why don't we put them in front of the mayor's house and see how quickly things change?
All I have to say is, way to go, Abbotsford. You win the slow clap of the day.
Shiianne Ramkay