It’s now official, the methadone clinic in downtown Belleville will be moving to 125 South Church Street.
At Monday night’s council meeting, Chair of Planning Councillor Paul Carr pointed to the notice the city received in 2012 regarding zoning of methadone clinics in terms of the Human Rights Code which makes it difficult to say it can’t go in any particular area.
Under the code it can go in any area of the city.
He emphasized methadone is about harm reduction.
Carr related the story of a local woman who indicates methadone saved her life.
Carr said the 30-year-old woman became addicted to pain pills after being in a car accident and started on methadone in 2013.
Now she is married with two children and on her way to becoming a Personal Support Worker.
He says there were more police calls to city hall than to the clinic.
Carr commented, “Don’t worry about the 150 or 300 people who are going to the methadone clinic, worry about the five that aren’t, because that really is where the issue is.”
Mayor Mitch Panciuk was pleased that council approved the move.
Council approved the zoning amendment and required that lighting and garbage issues be addressed.
