The Ontario government is cutting provincial funding for seven supervised drug consumption sites, initiating a 90-day wind-down period. The move affects two sites in Toronto, two in Ottawa, and one each in Niagara, Peterborough, and London.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones stated the province is prioritizing treatment, recovery, and safer communities through its homelessness and addiction recovery treatment (HART) hubs.
Advocates learned of the decision late Friday. The Fred Victor Centre, one of the affected Toronto sites, called the move "deeply disappointing." CEO Keith Hambly emphasized the life-saving role these services play in connecting vulnerable individuals to health care.
Janet Butler-McPhee of the HIV Legal Network condemned the decision as a "cowardly move" that endangers lives. Two years ago, the province banned new consumption sites and closed others near schools or daycares, pushing remaining sites to convert to HART hubs.