Advertisement

Vancouver recovery advocate returning honour to city over mayor, council’s actions

Click to play video: 'Vancouver Mayor opposes new Overdose Prevention Site'
Vancouver Mayor opposes new Overdose Prevention Site
Vancouver Mayor Kem Sim is planning to introduce a motion at Tuesday's council meeting to stop a planned overdose prevention site in downtown Vancouver. As Kristen Robinson reports, the operator says it is committed to implementing the "minimum" service standards as layed out by the province. – May 5, 2026

Two years after having a proclamation day named after him in the City of Vancouver, Guy Felicella says he is returning the honour.

Felicella, a harm reduction and recovery advocate, said in a social media post that he does not want May 29 to be known as Guy Felicella Day anymore.

Story continues below advertisement

He said that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC council do not understand what it takes to recover from toxic, illicit drugs or the work required to save lives.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“He threw me and every other person in Vancouver with substance use disorder under the bus when he promised to prevent a much-needed Overdose Prevention Site from opening in downtown Vancouver,” Felicella wrote.

“I won’t be used as part of a disingenuous display of fake compassion and understanding by Ken Sim and his ABC councillors.”

This announcement comes after Sim said he opposes the relocation of an overdose prevention site on Helmcken Street in Vancouver’s city centre.

“Vancouver will not support solutions that fail both those who are struggling and the communities around them,” Sim said in a release on Tuesday.

“We have seen the disastrous impact when OPS sites are introduced without the right planning, oversight, and accountability.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices