Advertisement

Provincial Liberals support 2 supervised consumption sites in London

A new supervised consumption site opened at Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital on April 2. The proposed sites in London would be located at 446 York St. and 241 Simcoe St. Kendra Slugoski, Global News

As debate rages on in London over a proposal to establish two new supervised consumption facilities, the plan has taken another step forward.

On Tuesday, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection announced they’ve received letters of support from Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to establish two locations.

The provincial support includes letters detailing capital and operational funding, and a letter of support for the establishment of two facilities from Liberal Minister Helena Jaczek.

The proposed sites would be located at 446 York St. and 241 Simcoe St.

“While this is an important step in the process, we value the community’s input and feedback,” said Chris Mackie, London’s Medical Officer of Health.

Story continues below advertisement

“We’ve already started the conversation and look forward to the discussion that will follow in the coming weeks and months.”

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.

On Monday, more than three dozen people addressed a city committee about the proposed sites at a public participation meeting at city hall.

No timeline has been set for the opening of London’s supervised consumption facilities, however, it is expected to take several months to complete the application review, the city’s zoning process, preparation of the space, and to hire staff.

“The locations we’ve identified are close to services needed by people caught in the cycle of drug addiction. They are also located in areas that respondents to the feasibility study said they would use,” said Brian Lester, executive director at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection.

Local officials still need to obtain federal approval as well as municipal zoning and permits.

Back in February, a temporary overdose prevention site opened at 186 King St. in downtown London. To date, almost 700 clients have made roughly 3,000 visits to the site, and only three overdoses have occurred.

Sponsored content

AdChoices