While walking my child to his daycare at the St. Giles church on 15th last Friday, we were forced to step around a discarded needle. As this needle was just off the sidewalk bordering the daycare property, I advised the daycare worker, who in turn made note and advised me the proper authorities would be contacted about its disposal.
After a week of walking around the needle, I asked what the problem was. Well apparently it isn't in the YMCA's mandate to sweep the bordering sidewalks for bio-waste, so they opted to do nothing. It was somewhat disheartening to realize that all anyone should have done is contact the city and have it removed, as I initially suggested when I first noticed it.
I have reported it to the city. Now let's see how long this takes.
John Currie
Prince George
Editor's Note: The City of Prince George has a Safe Needle Disposal Guide on its website (princegeorge.ca). For those adults able to pick up the needle, they should wear gloves and use tongs or pliers. If downtown, there are several blue boxes to drop. If elsewhere, place the needle in a strong plastic container, such a peanut butter jar. Close the jar and tape it shut with duct tape. Bring the jar to Northern Health's Harm Reduction Clinic at 1108 Third Ave. For those unable or unwilling to pick up the needle, there is a I Want To Report A Needle form on the city's website or call 250-561-7600.
