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.
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.
Note: Moss Park CTS is closing due to an approved development and may be unable to relocate due to the Province's new restriction on new federal exemption applications.
If you live downtown, you already know the feeling. You're walking outside past a pile of garbage that's been sitting on the sidewalk for days, or you spot a discarded needle near a park bench and wonder: who do I even call about this?
I hear you. And I present the better way: DowntownEast.ca.
Get ready for a morning of Easter magic! This Saturday, April 4th, we're celebrating the season with a special Easter Eggstravaganza — and the Easter Bunny himself is making an appearance!
As we head into April, I wish you and your families a wonderful Easter and Passover. For those with kids, I’ve invited the Easter Bunny to join me this Saturday for free events for your whole family!
Doug Ford’s campaign of cruelty against marginalized people living with addiction challenges continues to worsen – and he’s making our entire downtown increasingly unsafe in the process. Ford continues to ignore professionals, experts, researchers, and medical advice in the process as he tries to shut down two of the last remaining supervised consumption services (SCSs) in the Downtown East.