Irked by methadone pharmacy

Residents of an east London neighbourhood are angry they weren't told a pharmacy that recently opened is dispensing methadone.

Marsha, a 24-year-old Western University student who didn't want her last name used, organized a protest Monday in a parking lot next door to the newly opened London Drug Mart at 1617 Dundas St.

Marsha said she and other neighbours were puzzled why another pharmacy was opening in the area that already has a Shoppers Drug Mart and a Rexall PharmaPlus.

When she went in to investigate she found the pharmacy shelves empty. She asked the pharmacist if he distributed methadone and he said yes.

Drug users take methadone to help them overcome addictions to morphine and heroin. About 1,400 people in the London area are on methadone.

When community members contacted the city about their concerns, they were told the pharmacy didn't need a permit because it serves less than 40 people.

Bill Armstrong, the city councillor for the area, said he was informed last week the pharmacy had opened and asked city staff to review the operation and the zoning bylaws. Armstrong said he believes the pharmacy has moved from its previous location at Clarke Rd. and Trafalgar St.

"It's not being ignored, but rather being looked into and reviewed by city staff," he said.

New rules about the location of methadone clinics came into effect in March. New clinics aren't permitted within 300 metres of schools, pools, arenas and libraries, but the new rules don't apply to clinics serving less than 40 patients.

Marsha says the value of her home backing onto the pharmacy's parking lot has decreased and the clinic has brought a rougher crowd into the neighbourhood.

Link:
Irked by methadone pharmacy