[Dion]

In Red Deer, 180 patients are served in an anonymous bungalow on a downtown street with a mix of businesses and homes.

Neighbouring businesses unconcerned

Diane Anderson, who works at a travel agency nearby, said she was appalled when she heard about the Calgary clinic's plans to close. Opponents must not know anything about methadone clinics, she said.

"They're afraid that their children are going to be influenced somehow. They are afraid they are going to find used syringes in the gutter, they are going to find broken bottles, they are going to find rubby-dubs. I don't know what they think, but it's just not true. We see people from all walks going in there."

"Put yourself in that situation and you're trying to get help. Why are you being condemned for that?" added co-worker Linda Simpson.

At another business, Tim Wright, said he doesn't have much to say about the clinic. "They don't bother us too much and we don't really notice it," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/sto...-red-deer.html