Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2005-09-13 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Co-Chair P. Doherty, S. Fohring, D. Schnarr, B. Thomlison, 1. Beaulne, D. deCoene. S. Franzen was in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: J. Dean, Safe City Co-ordinator L. Korabo, Committee Administrator C. Sadeler, Interim Director, Community Program & Services Ms. Diane deCoene introduced herself as the new Committee representative for the Waterloo Region District School Board. 1. POSITIVE ACTION COMMITEE OF KITCHENER (PACK) Ms. J. Dean requested deferral of this item to the October 4, 2005 Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee meeting as the promotional packages to be distributed are not yet complete. 2. CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE LABS IN WATERLOO REGION Mr. B. Thomlison provided information on the drug known as crystal meth(amphetamine) and its illegal manufacture and use. He advised that crystal meth is not a new drug, having previously been known by many other names. It can be smoked, injected or taken orally and is highly addictive. The chemical in crystal meth is related to amphetamine in the human body and creates a physical reaction including a "high" which can last up to 12 hours. Crystal meth is manufactured from many common household products as a crystalline powder which is water soluble. Tools required to outfit any illegal labs are easily obtainable as they are also common items such as tubing and rubber gloves. He noted that labs can differ in size from as small as being contained in a suitcase to a large setup within a house or other building. Mr. Thomlison advised that the drug does have a legitimate use to control obesity and hyper activity. Due to its highly addictive qualities, use of crystal meth leads to compulsive drug seeking by the user and a turn away from regular daily activities involving family, work and other responsibilities as a priority in a user's day is finding money to buy more of the drug. Mr. Thomlison noted that there are currently no crystal meth producing labs in the Waterloo Region; however, Waterloo Regional Police Services is constantly in communication with its partners to keep abreast of the situation throughout the Province, and in particular in areas close to the Region. He noted that crystal meth first emerged in the south-western United States and, in Canada is moving from west to east. It was noted that the Provincial government has established a multi-agency working group to develop a coordinated approach to dealing with crystal meth use in communities. Education and awareness are considered the key areas of focus in addition to the deterrent provided from convictions and prison time. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had attended a meeting with Provincial Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADM) of Health, the RCMP and representatives of the Canadian Border Services Agency to discuss the growing problem of crystal meth and crystal meth labs. In addition, development of a national strategy is being discussed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Councillor Vbranovic noted that a draft action plan would be presented for consideration at the next meeting of the ADMs and that this action plan would designate lead organizations to deal with crystal meth issues. 3. PRESENTATION TO JUSTICE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SOLICITATION LAWS Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that he had recently addressed the Justice Sub-Committee on Solicitation Laws. He noted that he had also participated in a round table session with representatives of various sectors (sex trade workers, women's shelter providers, elected officials, police) to discuss how to focus on harm reduction issues related to individuals involved in solicitation. He stated that a recommendation will be coming forth this Fall from the Justice Sub-Committee regarding changes in solicitation laws. The Federation of Canadian SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. PRESENTATION TO JUSTICE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SOLICITATION LAWS (CONT'D) Municipalities has also agreed to look at establishing a policy regarding this issue in the upcoming year. The Committee asked for an update on local matters from the Sex Trade Worker Committee at its next meeting. 4. COMMUNITY POLICING - RICHMOND B.C. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised of initiatives undertaken by the RCMP in Richmond, BC, to engage youth in positive initiatives. Wrist bands bearing the phase "drug free" are being distributed as well as "positive reinforcement tickets" to youth who are observed doing something positive in the community. He questioned whether the Waterloo Regional Police Service could undertake something similar. Mr. B. Thomlison suggested that he could provide the Committee with information regarding local initiatives surrounding the subject of community policing at a future meeting. 5. WORK PLAN 2005 - 2006 Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that discussions surrounding the Committee's Work Plan be deferred to the October 4 meeting as many members were not in attendance today. 6. NEW BUSINESS The Committee then reviewed the Safe City Co-ordinator's Report and held brief discussions regarding: · youth website · responses received to the Committee's concerns regarding prisoner release protocols · Festival of Neighbourhoods Finale - October 23, 2005 · 911 Charity Golf Tournament · school safety audits 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator