Dear Editor,
As a former Flin Flon area citizen and occasional Reminder reader, I have been following your articles on public drunkenness, panhandling and the need for a detox / rehab facility in Flin Flon.
First of all I want to state that I am one of those people you mentioned who does not see a very big problem when I go onto Main Street to shop or utilize the services. I do still visit from time to time, when I have the time.
I have lived in seven different communities across western Canada and have seen some really bad panhandling in my day. I haven’t had that type of experience in Flin Flon or Creighton, a testament to your positive community environment and the work of the local RCMP.
I was asked for money once. It was nothing that I would ever call “aggressive” or “harassing” towards myself. From what it appears, asking for money isn’t even against the law in Flin Flon.
I was most interested by the police detachment’s estimate that said that just five to 10 people are mainly responsible for the problems some are seeing in the downtown area.
If that number is true, then I am sure the help can be provided to ensure those people get the proper services they need, or a “hand up,” instead of trying to be shuffled to and fro endlessly.
The whole Flin Flon area could use a rehab centre for the “street people” as well as for other area residents who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or both. I do not think it is just for one group of citizens.
Years ago The Reminder had stories on the numbers that show Flin Flon’s high alcohol consumption rate. I think that this is showing up as higher-than-average alcohol addiction within the community as well.
The judges in Manitoba do not have the power to force someone to go into alcohol rehab, but I am sure that they can give some incentives and support. No one’s interests are served by having alcoholics on our streets or anywhere else.
I think Flin Flon has got a social problem on its hands. It is not a panhandling or crime problem.
Ed Bowers
Calgary
