Does downtown need a detox?

Marnie Stone's concerns about the OATC Sault methadone clinic at 500 Queen Street East were discussed briefly at last night's meeting of the Queenstown Business Improvement Area.

Stone, owner of Stone's Office Supply Inc. at 529 Queen East, didn't actually appear at last night's meeting.

But board members were told she wants them to conduct a survey to collect feedback on the clinic, which distributes methadone - an opioid used to treat addiction to other opioid drugs including heroin, oxycodone and hydromorphone.

Terri Williams from Body First and Jill Zago from Stonehouse Wines have similarly expressed strong opinions about what they see as problems with the clinic's location and clientele.

Steve Alexander from Loplops said that 90 percent of downtown business owners would probably side with Stone that the clinic doesn't fit with the culture that downtown aspires to, but it's doubtful that anything can be done now about the clinic.

Other board members said they want Queenstown to be an inclusive place capable of accomodating recovering drug addicts.

It's expected tthat further discussions will be held with Stone to find out what she wants.

In other downtown news, the Queenstown BIA will hold town hall meetings on January 13, 14, 19, 20, 26 and 27 to consult with its membership about future directions.