The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

i PAGE 4THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JULY 11,2001 Police claims dismissed by WMHC Durham petitions Province for funding POLICE front page I Durham police and escorted back to WMHC. Mr. Lam was found not criminally responsible responsible (NCR) six years ago for the second-degree murder of his mother. Sun Ycc Lam, 59, who was stabbed more than 20 times in 1993 and found in her bathtub in her Kitchener home. He was remanded into psychiatric care indefinitely and transferred to WMHC last November. In the other incident, a Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued for a Whitby patient patient who vanished from a Toronto group home a month ago. Robert William Coombes, 23, was found NCR for attempted murder and aggravated assault after his roommate was attacked with a hammer and a knife in their north Oshawa residence in 1997. Although he is still detained detained at Whitby under an Ontario Review Board detention detention order, Mr. Coombes was released by the hospital to the group home last November November with conditions to report report weekly to WMHC in person. (The ORB is an independent independent judicial tribunal created under the Criminal Code of Canada that annually reviews and determines the level of treatment and freedom for people who have been found NCR because of a mental disorder, and ordered into psychiatric care indefinitely.) Mr. Coombes reported on May 17, but walked away from the group home May 21, leaving a message he was going to visit family in Huntsville. The hospital was not told of his disappearance for three days. Police say they did not receive an official report Mr. Coombes was missing until May 28. Police took the precaution of notifying the victim of the 1997 attack and issued a warrant warrant for Mr. Coombes's arrest for being unlawfully at large. He was also wanted for breaching the conditions of his ORB order. Exactly one month after he disappeared, Mr. Coombes showed up at the Whitby hospital and was arrested. arrested. The two cases are just the latest in a history of incidents at WMHC that have Durham police officials expressing concerns about community safety. In May 1997, repeat sex offender David Gregory Walker entered an Oshawa lingerie store and forcibly confined and sexually assaulted assaulted a young female worker for several hours. Declared criminally insane insane in 1981 for raping an 83-year-old man in Uxbridge, he was on an unescorted unescorted day pass from Whitby Whitby at the time of the attack. A diagnosed sexual sadist; he was later declared a dangerous dangerous offender and ordered incarcerated incarcerated indefinitely in 1999. In February of this year Durham homicide detectives investigating the murder of an Oshawa man whose body was found in the Whitby harbour harbour arrested a WMHC patient patient for violating the conditions conditions of his ORB disposition. Police alleged George Vancurenko Jr. was living at a suspected crack house in central Oshawa - where the murdered man, William Charles Foster, was known to live on occasion - while . under supervised release from WMHC. Mr. Vancurenko Jr. was found not guilty by reason of insanity 15 years ago for the second-degree murder of an Oshawa woman, who was beaten to death. Although he remains under an ORB detention detention order, he had been living in the community under WMHC's supervision since 1991, despite being convicted for assault, drugs, impaired driving and theft in recent years. Police say they have insufficient insufficient evidence to lay a criminal charge in Mr. Foster's Foster's death. Prosecutors are currently seeking to have Mr. Vancurenko Jr. detained; a publication ban has been imposed imposed on his ongoing ORB hearing. Frustrated, police officials said the case opened their eyes to a "gap" in communication communication between police, RON BALLANTYNE Says police are notified when patients have access to community. WMHC and the ORB. They maintain they are not always notified when NCR patients arc released into the community community - on a day pass or longterm longterm basis - or the conditions imposed on them by the ORB. The Vancurenko Jr. case sparked a review by the department department and paved the way for discussions between police, police, the ORB, WMHC and government ministries aimed at creating a process by which the tenus imposed on released NCR patients would be readily available to all Ontario Ontario forces. Despite this development, Inspector Greg Reid, Whitby's Whitby's commanding officer, said in a recent interview he has "serious concerns about the level of supervision" of forensic psychiatric patients at WMHC. "This is causing us great concerns," he said. WMHC maintains police are told any time a forensic patient leaves the hospital. However, Insp. Reid said notification notification has been "sporadic," "sporadic," at best. "Persons who have been found not criminally responsible responsible by a court and held at the Whitby Mental Health Centre pose a significant risk to the safety of the community community in that in most, if not all, cases they've caused grievous grievous bodily harm to another person. I think it's incumbent on WMHC to ensure we are promptly notified any time these people leave the hospital," hospital," Insp. Reid said. "Recently there's been a number of incidents where ' (patients) have „ left the grounds, in some cases with permission and in other cases unlawfully, and the police were not always made aware of their conditions. On some occasions, they've been released released without our knowledge knowledge period," he said. Inspector Jim'Lockwood, of the major crime unit, who conducted the force's internal internal review, said: "Sometimes we're notified, sometimes we're not." Mr. Ballantyne dismissed police claims, saying the chief of police, Kevin McAlpine, is notified by fax in writing "in every case" a forensic patient has been granted access to the community, community, regardless of the length of the pass. "I can show you 13 years of letters. I don't know why they are saying that," he said. Chief McAlpine said he personally has no knowledge of the letters, though that doesn't necessarily mean they were not sent since all correspondence to the police force is usually addressed to him. "I have no idea who's receiving receiving them," he said. Mr. Ballantyne acknowledged acknowledged Whitby does not provide provide police with the terms imposed on the patient by the ORB, even though the dispositions dispositions are public documents, but conceded police should have access to the information. information. Maureen Forestell, legal counsel for the ORB, said she would be very surprised and concerned if police were not notified of patient releases. releases. 'That's news to me and it would certainly cause me concern if it's true," she said. "We wouldn't be ordering (notification of police) if we didn't think it was important. If it's not being done then people are not complying with the dispositions we are making." A standard term of every ORB disposition requires the hospital notify police any time an NCR patient is granted granted community privileges, she said, Ms. Forestell said Durham police and other forces have raised concerns about the lack of a reporting system to ensure authorities have access to ORB condi tions, especially on patients living in the community under supervision. 'Hie ORB is currently working with police and the ministries of the attorney and solicitor general to create a protocol for ORB terms to be placed on CPIC, the Canadian Police Information Centre, which police rely on for background checks. "We're on the verge of accomplishing accomplishing that," Ms. Forestell said. As for safety concerns, Mr. Ballantyne Ballantyne said the hospital is mandated to treat and rehabilitate forensic patients, but there are always risks involved. "I don't think the public should be concerned," lie said. 'The role of this facility facility is not to keep people locked up like in the correctional system. Our role is to treat people who arc mentally ill and gradually integrate them into the community. community. People must realize it's not risk- free and it never will be... but we take a very cautious and reasonable approach to how we manage that." There arc usually between 25 and 30 NCR patients from WMHC living in the community under supervision. DURHAM from page I the Province doesn't come through with money to pay for the anticipated repairs, the Re- .gion could have to foot the bill. At the time of the transfer from the Province, Durham assumed assumed the ownership of approximately approximately 1,600 public housing units. The ownership of the nonprofit nonprofit and co-operative housing units in Durham will be transferred transferred from the Province to the Region in phase two of the transfer, which was to take place over an 18-month period that began at the start of the year. When the transfer is complete, complete, Durham will be responsible responsible for more than 6,400 housing units. Ms. Van Steen reported a consultant was hired to inspect social housing buildings in Durham and to forecast when major repairs will be required. The study, completed by the Stonewall Management Group, included 42 organizations that manage 87 different projects across Durham consisting of a total of 6,215 rental units. The study concluded that a lump sum of $90 million would need to be invested today to cover the repairs that arc anticipated anticipated over the next 20 years or the annual contribution to reserve reserve accounts would have to be increased by an additional $7 million a year. "We need $90 million in the bank today to make sure repairs can be dealt with without having having to delve into Regional money," Ms. Van Steen said. She also pointed out although although extensive repairs will be needed during the next 20 years, "Our portfolio isn't in bad condition. condition. As of today the portfolio is in good condition. The problem problem doesn't start becoming one until five years from now." She rioted if there is a $90- million problem in Durham, other jurisdictions arc likely facing similar situations. Regional Regional councillors voted Wednesday, without any discussion, discussion, to petition the Province to provide funding to cover the shortfall. GM sales take a dip OSHAWA - Sales of General Motors of Canada vehicles continues continues to slide. Car sales were down 2.1 per cent to 25,729 in June while truck sales dropped .9 per cent to 22,601, for a com bined decrease of 1.6 per cent. Dick Conlin, vice president of sales, service and marketing, noted that despite the decrease, GM of Canada surpassed sales objective for the month. www.durhamc.on.ca A new and exciting career can be yours! Durham College is launching a range of brand-new, success-driven programs. Space is available in: • Addictions Counsellor (post-diploma) • Electronic Commerce (post-diploma) • Internet Database Specialist • Mechanical Engineering Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation) • Private Investigator (post-diploma) Classes begin in September. Enrol today at www.ocas.on.ca or contact ns at 905/721-3046 or -3088 or info@durhamc.on.ca for information or application details. PONTIAC SUNFIRE SL 5-YEAR/100,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY • 2.2 Litre 115 HP Engine • 5-Speed Getrag Transmission with Overdrive • Reclining Front Bucket Seats • AM/FM Stereo • Theft-Deterrent System • Anti-Lock Braking System 0.9% PURCHASE FINANCING UP TO 60 MONTHS' WtCASHPUKHUE EJJ3 '/'Hi: ☆☆☆☆☆ FIVE STAR SAFETY RATING, Pontiac Montana hokJi a 5-star driver seat rating In side-impact tests.' 1 dn pontiac MONTANA BEST FUEL ECONOMY* 3.4 Litre V6 185-HP Engine • 4-Speed Automatic Transmission • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes • Air Conditioning • Power Door Locks/Windows/Mirrors • Dual Sliding Doors • AM/FM Stereo with CD • Deep Tint Glass • Tilt-Wheel Steering 0.9% PURCHASE FINANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS' v PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 2.4 Litre Twin Cam 150-HP Engine • 4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Enhanced Traction System • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System • 4-Wheel Independent Suspension • Air Conditioning • Power Door Locks • AM/FM Stereo with CD 0.9% PURCHASE FINANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS' pontiac GRAND PRIX GT 200-HP 3.8 Litre Series II V6 Engine • 4-Speed Automatic Transmission ■ Air Conditioning • 16" Tri-Spoke Aluminum Wheels • CD with Equalizer and 6-Speaker System • 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS • Power Door Locks/Windows/Mirrors • Remote Keyless Entry 0.9% PURCHASE FINANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS' ©buick CENTURY CUSTOM 3.1 Litre V6175-HP Engine • 4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Enhanced Traction System • 6-Passenger Seating • Air Conditioning • 6-Way Power Driver's Seat • Power Door Locks/Windows/Mirrors • Cruise Control • Remote Keyless Entry • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes 0.9% PURCHASE FINANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS' L3 G,-:itV.v'V;VV> 1 OR « MONTH Ota MONTH S-nlua Ml M0HTW4.no DOWS MIMENT, ms r mon urn unnon ocrosn Down leaia Total Payment Payment Due' SO $214 $1,472 $730 $198 $2,293 $1,180 $188 $2,799 0* CASH PUtHASE *34928 ~ oalraraxHt S'O)!;-,0 >' d'-jwtk'v Down Lnase Total Payment Payment Due' $0 $351 $1,910 $2,000 $307 $4,109 $4,730 $248 $7,106 0* CASH MOUSE S 31IS@S tialmimon 0*41 MONTH SwiUah Down Lease Total Payment Payment Due' $0 $308 $1,730 $1,500 $275 $3,367 $2,245 $258 $4,170 0* CASH MOUSE il c ucucu nocaff C* a MONTH SwUiu Down Lease Total Payment Payment Due' SO $386 $2,009 $2,000 $341 $4,208 $3,870 $288 $6,268 0* CASH MOUSE m Down lease Total Payment Payment Due' $0 $389 $2,013 $2,000 $343 $4,210 $3,875 $288 $8,378 0.9% purchase financing also available on Aztek, Regal, LeSabre, Jimmy, Safari, Sonoma, Park Avenue and Bonneville. gmc SIERRA EXTENDED CAB 270 HP V8 Engine • Automatic Transmission with Overdrive • Air Conditioning with Interior Air Filtration System ■ 4-Wheel Disc & 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking Systems • Full Instrumentation including: Tachometer, Engine Hourmeter & Driver Message Centre Purchase financing up to 48 months' 0*14 MONTH Swill aa 4-i)L -/([')■ C* CASH MOUSE Down Leaae Total Payment Payment Due' $0 $400 $2,218 $2,770 8378 85,208 $4,000 $342 $0,532 <o \ fi" For the latest Information, visit usât gmcanada.com, drop by your local Pontiac • Buick• GMC Dealer or call us at 1 -800-GM-DRIVE, MTests conducted by Iho US National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NUT SA). ADosl In Class. Cased on Transport Canada Fuel Economy Ralinns/Olfors based on Sunliro Sedan SL R7Z/Moiilana RWB H7A/Grand AM Sedan SE fl7X/Grand Prix GT R7?7Contury Custom R7Z/Sierra Extended Cab R7U. Annual cost of borrowing 2.9%M.9%/2.9%/4.4%/4.4'W4,4%per annum (based on a 40/4B/4a'4B/4G/30 month term). Annual kilometre limit ol 20,000 kin, SO. 12 per excess kilometre. Option to purchase at lease end Is $5,574.CO/$1t,O12.4O/SO,1G7.25/S12,23B.0O/1O l 32O.bO/$16 l O1B.75 plus applicable taxes. Oilier lease options available. VTotal duo on signing includes down payment, freight, security deposit, 1st month's payment plus taxes, licence, insurance, PPSA and administration fees not included, t toiler applies , TWOnTAor " PONTIAC BUICK GMC **ad«V to Sunliro Sedan SL R7Z/Montana RWB R7A only. General Motors will pay Iho lirst month's GMAG purchase linanco or loaso payment up lo $500 Inclusive of taxes. 1 (Freight ($730/S940/$795/$B95/$B95/5990) licence, insurance, P.P.S.A., administration tees and faxes nol Included. Dealers are Irco to set Individual prices, fTho SmaiitLease monthly payment and the GMAG purchase finance talo ara nol nvailaWo with and arc not calculated on the "Cash Purchase Price" shown. The difference between the price for Iho SuAniltAsrJGMAC Purchase Finance oiler and iho "Cash Purchase" offer is deemed under provincial disclosure disclosure laws lo boo cost ol borrowing, whether or not the same représente actual Interest, and Is required to bo expressed as an annual percentage rale which Is 0 8GtV4.7fiti/T92t;V3.72ti>/2.BGiy4.09%. |0.9% purchase financing offer docs nol apply lo 2001 Now Stylo GMCCK 2500/3500 Pickup/Ciew,Chassis Cabs, 2001 GMC Carryover stylo Chassis Cabs, GMC Sierra CIY91), 2001 GMC Yukon/Yukon Dcnnli/Yukon Xl/fukon XL Donah and 2001 GMC Savana. Financing on approved GMAC credit only lor virtually all remaining 2001 Pontiac, Buick, GMC. Example 1: $10,000 at 0.0% APR, Iho monthly payment is $212.1fy$170.51 lor 4B/G0 months. Cost ol borrowing is $1B4.G4/$230.G0. Total obligation to $10,1B4.G4/$10,230 GO. Examplo 2: $10,000 ol 1.0% APR, Iho monthly payment is $210.52 lor 40 months. Cost ol " -- 12.90. Of ' - ' borrowing is $392.90. Total obligation is $10,392.90. T)own paymcnVtmdo and/or security deposit may bo required. Monthly payment and cost ol borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down E Wrndo. 't (Oiler opplios os indicated to select now or demonstrator 2001 models and applies to qualiliod retail customers In tho Ontario Ponliac Uuick GMC Dealer Mi lime oiler which may nol be combined with oilier offers. Dealer trade may bo necessary. Limited quantities ol 2001 models available. Sco your Dealer for conditions and ( a registered trademark ol Consumers Digest, Inc. used under licence. Buick Century received tho Best Buy Award 1990,1999,2000,2001.