Last year alone, there were 524 opioid toxicity deaths in Toronto. There is no question that more provincial funding for treatment services and supportive housing is necessary and welcome. We urgently need more provincial support to help people access treatment, housing and social services.
However, any change to evidence-based harm reduction programs should be made in consultation with Toronto Public Health.
We are concerned that the provincial closure of existing harm reduction services will have significant consequences — such as more overdose deaths, more strain on police, fire and paramedics, more crowded emergency rooms, and more public drug consumption.
What we need in Toronto is a comprehensive approach that includes all the services people need — supportive housing, treatment services, mental health services, primary care, harm reduction and more.
We are awaiting more details from the province to better understand the impact of today’s announcement.
Map of Supervised Consumption Sites across Toronto Centre:
After March 31, 2025, sites will have to be at least 200 metres from a school or child-care centre.
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Note: Moss Park CTS is closing due to an approved development and is unable to relocate due to the Province's new restriction on new federal exemption applications.