Londoners got their chance to give their say on the city’s proposed safe injection sites.
Members of the public gathered at the Marconi Club and discussed their concerns about the sites in small groups, led by a facilitator at each table.
“I think the important part in all this is gathering information from the public, looking at the data and the key concerns, and turning that into a plan to address those issue,” said Middlesex-London Health unit sexual health manager, Shaya Dhinsa.
Dhinsa spoke at Tuesday night’s event, where she gave the public more background surrounding the safe injection sites.
“Currently, we don’t have any specific locations, which we need to apply for exemptions,” said Dhinsa.
In order to operate legally, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) must apply for an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Dhinsa says while exact locations have not yet been chosen, the MLHU is focusing on areas with a high volume of drug users.
Concerns were raised surrounding the access to transportation for drug users to get to the proposed injection sites. Dhinsa said that while it is very early in the process, the MLHU would look into the possibility of adding mobile injection sites to reach larger amounts of people.
Eight more consultation meetings remain for the public to weigh in on injection sites, which will be held at the following locations and times:
- Nov. 8: Canada Games Aquatic Centre, 1045 Wonderland Rd., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 13: BMO Centre, 295 Rectory St., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Nov. 15: Goodwill Centre, 255 Horton St., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Nov. 21: Byron Recreation Centre, 1308 Norman Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 27: South London Community Centre, 585 Bradley Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 28, Middlesex County Building, 399 Ridout St. N., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Nov. 29: Stronach Community Recreation Centre, 1221 Sandford St., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 29: Stoney Creek Library, 920 Sunningdale Rd. E., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.