Hello
I'm Chris Bovie, community relations officer for WMHC. I'm hoping to set up a yearly (if not more) public meeting with the Whitby Shores community. I was out helping during the Earth Day cleanup and did have the pleasure of meeting with a few families. It is clear there is some misinformation out there which as led to some understandable anxiety. I will try and update events through your website, including a public information meeting.
In the meantime feel free to call me at 905-430-4055 ext. 6574 or email boviec@wmhc.ca
The sad thing is, that the corner of Gordon and Whitby Psych is the only place that they are allowed to smoke, as the grounds are off-limits. If they are wearing neck tags, then they are staff, if no tags, then they are patients who have priviliges and are deemed safe. Perhaps their demeanour is a little unusual, but if they are deemed safe to be outside, then we shouldn't have a need to be concerned.
Alot of these patients have smoked all of their lives, and suddenly find themselves in a place with restrictions, so they are doing the best that they can. Unfortunately, the waterfront trail runs right through the middle of the grounds. I understand your concerns.
Hello
I'm Chris Bovie, community relations officer for WMHC. I'm hoping to set up a yearly (if not more) public meeting with the Whitby Shores community. I was out helping during the Earth Day cleanup and did have the pleasure of meeting with a few families. It is clear there is some misinformation out there which as led to some understandable anxiety. I will try and update events through your website, including a public information meeting.
In the meantime feel free to call me at 905-430-4055 ext. 6574 or email boviec@wmhc.ca
You have (at our expense) one of the best pieces of real estate in the area (if not the Province), please respect it and keep it clean and safe and allow us all to enjoy it without having to deal with smokers and the associated garbage they leave.
Thanks very much for your feedback. By misinformation I meant regarding the comments about the safety issues.
As far as the garbage issue I regularly take walks around the Whitby Shores area and at the end of Gordon Street to get a sense of what is happening. As I said previously I will set up a residents meeting very soon and you have my contact information and feel free to contact me at any time.
Congratulations on the new school. I know it has been a tireless effort.
Chris Bovie
Community Relations Officer
Whitby Mental Health Centre
700 Gordon Street
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 5S9
Phone: 905-430-4055 Ext. 6574
Fax: 905-430-4025
http://www.whitbymentalhealthcentre.ca
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Fighting for your family is to be admired, but I don't believe being rude is in your best interest. It may cause others to stop listening to what you have to say and unfortunately that's life too.
Hi . I am father of two young girls. They mean everything to me so I understand.
Before coming here I worked in local media for 20 years, many years covering Whitby and the WMHC. I also volunteer in many capacities in this area, so I do understand. My purpose is to open up the lines of communication with WMHC and Whitby Shores residents.
Like any public hospital we are bound by confidentiality issues so we need to protect that. We offer an important and necessary service and I think it is beneficial for us to hear your message and you to hear ours as well.
That being said I have made myself available to anyone. I did send a private message to SS inviting a call and again you can call me anytime to discuss any issues or concerns you might have. If you would like me to stop by and visit you some night after you get home from work just let me know. I certainly prefer dialogue face-to-face than through a forum.[/align]
Just so you know, I have made efforts to talk to Whitby Shores residents - during the cleanup day with my children in tow and last week I visited more than 100 homes in the neighbourhood going door-to-door. I think if you talk to me or anyone who knows me you will find someone who is respectful, empathetic and insightful and not someone in denial.
Thanks for your comments. I will also be at the Town Hall Wendesday night if anyone wants to talk to me.
Cheers
Chris Bovie
Community Relations WMHC
905-430-4055 ext. 6574
The non-smoking policy instigated at the Whitby Mental Health Hospital earlier this summer has had an impact on the enjoyment of the Waterfront trails and really left some of us wondering. Has anyone else noticed the garbage, the loitering and overall the uneasy feeling you get when you ride or walk on the trail or go to the beach? Not sure who all these individuals are - if they are patients or employees, but they are lying down, hanging out and leaving garbage. If the teenagers did this, the cops would be all over them. Is it just me, or is this a concern for others? Isn't this public property?
I spoke to the CEO last year and she said there is nothing they will do about this because these people all get day passes so the can go any where they like. I called because I was riding my bike pregnant with 2 kids and they were yelling and smoking all in front of the path, scaring my boys. The garbage, the cig. butts the pop cans the urine smell ugggg what can we all do, strength in numbers.