Editor:
Re: "Cottage Farm a surprise to most" from Lynn Doupe (Coast Reporter letters, Oct. 8).
On behalf of Cottage Farm, I would like to clarify some misinformation contained in comments regarding the Cottage Farm proposal.
Since July of this year, we have been meeting with various community groups and members, including neighbourhood groups in the vicinity of the proposed organic farm and therapeutic community. We are trying to do this well in advance of submitting any applications to the ALR or SCRD. The meetings are for sharing information openly, listening to input from the community and responding to questions. There is no intention to "surprise" anyone with this process.
Ms. Doupe inaccurately describes the residents who would live at Cottage Farm as "severely disturbed" people with "mental, emotional and drug-related addictions and disorders." People who are using drugs and alcohol will not be appropriate for this program and will not be admitted. The residents will be adults typically under 35 years of age who want to learn life skills, work on a farm and participate in therapies and programs that will help them gain independence. Upon graduation, residents will be supported to return to their home communities.
Information about the program, other successful therapeutic communities and upcoming meetings, can be found at www.cottagefarm.ca. If you would like to have a discussion or presentation about Cottage Farm, please contact us at: [email protected].
Barrie Forbes, board chair, Cottage Farm
