Ontario’s decision to end funding for several supervised consumption sites, including Peterborough, is drawing concern from public health experts and local officials.
The province announced March 16 it will shift funding away from supervised consumption services toward Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment, or HART, hubs, which focus on treatment, primary care and social supports.
The Canadian Public Health Association says while treatment investments are important, removing supervised consumption services weakens the broader response to the toxic drug crisis.
Health experts say these sites help prevent overdose deaths, reduce disease transmission and connect people to care, warning their removal could lead to increased public drug use and greater strain on emergency services.
Locally, Lakelands Public Health says it is aware the Peterborough Consumption and Treatment Services site, operated by Fourcast, is expected to close without alternate funding.
The health unit says harm reduction services are a key part of a comprehensive approach and highlighted the site’s impact, noting more than 15,000 visits between early 2023 and mid 2024 and over 100 drug poisonings managed without a fatality.
Officials also say many visits were for additional supports, including housing, mental health care and addiction services.
The province maintains its focus on treatment will improve long term outcomes, but health experts argue a balanced approach is needed.
They say addressing substance use requires a full continuum of care, including harm reduction, treatment and prevention, particularly as communities continue to face the impacts of a toxic drug supply.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)