A Windsor city councillor suggests there may be little debate tonight when the planning and economic development committee discusses lifting some restrictions on methadone clinics.
Bill Marra says the city may not have much choice. "There have been recent changes with provincial legislation, so our bylaw essentially is not in conformity (with the human rights code). It's illegal."
Back in 2010, city council adopted a resolution stating that methadone clinics were not medical offices and restricting them from locating 150m from any schools, residential or institutional developments. Those restrictions were challenged at the Ontario Municipal Board but were soon rescinded. Then an application was made to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Marra was on Council when the resolution passed five years ago in response to outrage from neighbours living on Lincoln Rd. where a new methadone clinic had opened doors. At the time, he argued against the restrictions saying they were discriminatory against those seeking help with an addiction.
Since then, Marra says he hasn't heard of any complaints about that clinic, or the other two in Windsor.
As for the residents who objected then, Marra says there are already provisions in the Official Plan to protect neighbourhoods. "Any business that sets up in the City of Windsor, whether it be for people who have physical health issues, or mental health issues, or addiction issues they have to go through a planning process. This is no different."
