Drug recovery centre in North Vancouver met with community opposition
Facility would provide nine beds for men struggling with addiction in North Vancouver
A group behind a proposed men-only drug and alcohol recovery facility in North Vancouver will hold a public meeting tonight, and expects to be met with concerns from some nearby residents.
"Why have they chosen North Vancouver? … I can assure you there is no one in Seymour that has drug issues to the point that has to be in this facility," neighbour Paddi Nikbin told The Early Edition.
"People are opposed to this project. They don't want them here. They are not welcome. They are resentful to them. What good will that do to the clients?"
The proposed facility, which would be operated by Turning Point Recovery Society on Windridge Drive near Mount Seymour Parkway, would provide nine beds for men with addiction issues.
Executive Director Brenda Plant said the society was asked many years ago to build a facility on the North Shore, where she said there is a need.
"One in 10 of us has an addiction issue. I appreciate that people have fears and concerns. I would certainly want to see research that said that the Seymour area is exempt from the national statistics."
Turning Point opened a women-only facility on Lloyd Avenue, also in North Vancouver, six months ago. Plant said so far, that facility has been a success.
"We've had no incidents, so the concerns that people had have simply not materialized," she said.
The District of North Vancouver is holding a public meeting tonight, at 6:30 p.m. at the Parkgate Community Centre.
To hear the full interview with Brenda Plant, click the audio labelled: Case for North Vancouver recovery house.