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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 2014
MEI and Bateman boys basketball teams win their home tournaments A24
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Harm reduction law on its way out
ANNIE ON STAGE A18 Abby Traditional Secondary presents the Broadway hit musical this week
Council moves to repeal controversial bylaw Alex BUTLER
FINES FOR FALSE ALARMS
Abbotsford News
Abbotsford is on track to repeal its controversial bylaw against harm reduction measures, after approving the third reading of an amendment removing the prohibition on services such as needle exchanges. The unanimous decision came following a public hearing on Monday, where views on the issue were mixed. Gen Rottluff, who lives in Abbotsford’s downtown, was concerned about the effect a needle exchange could have on her neighbourhood, and where hazardous needle waste could end up. She advocated for other methods of helping drug users, not giving addicts the “tools of the trade.” “I don’t want my neighbourhood to be the Downtown Eastside.” But other community members spoke in support of the bylaw and the potentially positive impact on public health. John Kuipers commended council for looking at the peer-reviewed evidence that shows harm reduction measures can reduce disease. Jesse Wegenast, of 5 and 2 Ministries, said there was also a human element to overturning the bylaw, saying that needle exchanges allow service providers to connect with individuals using drugs, and that regular contact is a step toward getting people into treatment. Marcus Lem, medical health officer for the Fraser Continued on A4
A7 City will enforce updated bylaw targeting improperly activated fire alarms
STRONGSTART AT SAYERS A12 Local elementary school first to offer district-funded preventative program
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Turf tussle
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A26
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Julia Cocking, left, of the WCAGFC Ravens, fights for control with Avneet Gill of Abbotsford’s MFMFC Toni’s Tigers during a U-15 3E soggy soccer game at the Samuel Robertson Technical field in Maple COLLEEN FLANAGAN Black Press Ridge on Sunday.
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