An attempt by the operators of a planned drug user site to sway North Logan residents and property owners to support the 366 Henry Avenue project has backfired after a ten page document was distributed. In Episode 19, we read the cover letter from Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre CEO Monica Cyr and review the “Good Neighbour Commitment” package that’s long on jargon, short on answers, and full of holes about how AHWC will ensure public safety.
Part 1- A look at the previous episode with Kelly Ryback on urgent city issues and a look ahead to the next episode about Assiniboia Downs and the upcoming horse racing season. We set up this edition with a recap of Marty’s latest Winnipeg Sun column, North Logan residents balk at consumption site safety pitch.
In the aftermath of the AHWC door-to-door handout, a Community Safety discussion is slated for Tuesday May 12 from 6-9 pm, at Pampanga Hall, 349 Henry Ave.
Panelists include Cyr, Fort Rouge Councillor Sherri Rollins, Winnipeg Police chief Gene Bowers, federal Opposition Health Critic Dan Mazier (MP- Riding Mountain), and Manitoba PC MLA Wayne Balcaen, who is also the former police chief in Brandon.
16.00 Part 2- You’ll hear about the FAQ included in the package, the information it did and did not provide, the claims it made about the experiences of other (unnamed) cities with crime and disorder, how “trained staff” will handle safety, and the ridiculous timelines to respond to complaints.
Notably, AHWC admitted the “interim service”- which will operate out of a parked vehicle on the lot until the building is renovated – will only test drugs and help addicts get high, and will not offer referrals to rehab and other help until the facility is opened.
Missing was any mention that the federal government might not approve the application for a permanent site.
27.20- A review of the “community cohorts” named- and whether the public should have confidence in those organizations and in their involvement with a safe consumption site. Sunshine House, in particular, is under scrutiny for the way their mobile drug site van was licenced and operates when an overdose or assault occurs. Another witness has stepped forward casting doubt on the competency of their staff.
Hear about a neighborhood walk planned for the North Logan area on Saturday at 2 pm. It will provide a ground-level view if the AHWC plan will be adequate to address concerns. Even though their outreach is deliberately narrowed, other nearby residential streets – and Chinatown – will be impacted by the SCS.
41.00 Part 3– A reading of Monica Cyr’s pitch to stakeholders. Her terminology reflects an ideology that removes personal responsibility of drug users for their plight, while failing to provide any data to verify the performance of her organization to fight addiction.
51. 44- While Cyr cites a number of the ‘partners’ and ‘supporters’ on board with her organization’s consumption site plan, there’s a glaring omission- the Manitoba Metis Federation. We ask why.
Then, a health care professional with years of experience with addicts and in homeless shelters provided us an insider’s view of the promises and claims made in the handout- and exposes the double-talk, hidden meanings and operational deficiencies of their proposal.
Our source maintains the social disorder will be deflected into surrounding streets, so who is really being protected by the 8 foot fence? Which businesses will “flourish” with a drug den next door? Wait till you find out the tricks used to rig crime stats near such sites as be lowered, and who authored the study that AHWC is relying on to prove to the neighbours that such sites don’t increase danger to communities.
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