We won’t say the people decrying the proposed drug and alcohol recovery house on Windridge Drive are bad neighbours, only that they are scared and in some cases terribly misguided.
Many of us are uncomfortable with addiction and understandably wary at the prospect of sharing our boulevards with addicts.
We understand the impulse to protest first and ask questions later. But it isn’t fair or helpful.
We ask protesters to not give in to fear so easily and to consider the people who need help as well.
They are both professionals and the unemployed; they’re wealthy and destitute. They are fathers, husbands, sons. They’re here for the same reason many of us live on the North Shore: it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
But how many of us would be happy to tell a tourist that we’re completely welcoming, except when it comes to addicts; or that we believe in second chances, except for alcoholics?
Drug and alcohol addiction may be better hidden here, but it exists on the North Shore.
Anyone trying to throw off the yoke of a bottle or a needle deserves the chance to get well without being ostracized and without being shuttled to the Downtown Eastside.
Rather than protesting the house, we’d urge neighbours to research the track record of Turning Point and what those living close to other homes run by the society have to say.
We’d urge everyone to dial down the emotion and at least be willing to listen to each other. That’s part of being a good neighbour.
