The Second Chance Recovery methadone clinic finally won’t need any more chances after signing a 10-year lease in the Foothills Industrial Park.
The city’s development appeal board endorsed a development permit allowing the controversial clinic to remain in the southeast location after the clinic was forced from three previous sites due to public outcry.
“This is huge not only for the clients but also for the city of Calgary. I don’t know if people understand how much a city this size needs something like this,” lawyer for the clinic Hugh Ham said, adding now the doctors can focus on helping the 500 patients.
“It’s been unsettling and stressful for the patients never knowing if they would continue to get treatment. Now they have a permanent home to get help.”
Ham however is concerned about an upcoming motion at council that would force clinics like Second Chance Recovery to apply for a special permit above and beyond what is currently needed.
“It doesn’t affect us now but the idea of this is very offensive and unfair,” Ham added.
