Ontario is cutting funding for seven supervised drug consumption sites, including two in Toronto, initiating a 90-day wind-down to transition clients to abstinence-based HART hubs. Only three Toronto sites-Street Health, Casey House, and Kensington Market-remain open due to donor support.
Matt Johnson, supervisor at Street Health, said the closures have already driven up demand: "Our numbers are way up, overdoses are way up. I don’t know how we’re going to address this." The site has only three booths and faces unprecedented strain.
Bill Sinclair, CEO of The Neighbourhood Group, warned clients may resort to unsafely using in public spaces like transit and libraries if they cannot reach remaining sites.
Joanne Simons of Casey House called the decision "devastating," anticipating staffing and operational challenges while grappling with moral distress among staff.
Premier Doug Ford defends the move, claiming consumption sites "encourage" drug use, despite evidence that they save lives. Advocacy groups including Amnesty International and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association condemn the policy, calling it a public health failure.
Harm reduction experts emphasize these sites serve as vital access points to care and survival during long recovery journeys.