Critics say end of safe consumption services in northern Ont. will strain health system, lead to more deaths

The northeast’s only remaining supervised consumption site, Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST), is shutting down its safe consumption services at the end of the month.

The site’s temporary health exemption will expire June 30, but will remain open to offer basic supports.

It was a place to consume potentially deadly drugs and live to make a different choice. It was a lifesaver in a community that is currently under a red alert for opioid toxicity.

“I died, they brought me back,” said Reg, a client at SHST.

“That's what made me stop. I try not to, try not to use. It’s a battle. Without this place, there's going to be so many, so many deaths.”

The agency that will take over operating the site from the local hospital says it had no choice.

“The exemption that we have with Health Canada, it is contingent upon funding,” said Angele Desormeau of the Canadian Mental Health Association Cochrane Timiskaming.

“We don't have proof of funding from the Ministry of Health.”

The ministry is conducting a review of safe consumption sites and won’t say when it will be complete.

Data from the site shows it prevented more than 300 overdoses since opening in 2022 -- and reported zero deaths. Health officials said that will change.

“You might see people overdosing in laneways and public bathrooms,” said Patrick Nowak of SHST.

Data from the site shows it prevented more than 300 overdoses since opening in 2022 -- and reported zero deaths. Health officials said that will change. (Photo from video)

“You might see more public substance use in the area. You might see more discarded paraphernalia, like needles.”

Strain on health services will also increase.

“There's going to be a huge burden on the entire healthcare sector, including EMS, because now they will be responding to all those overdoses,” said Dr. Doug Arnold, Timmins and District Hospital.

Concern about crime, drug use

But vocal critics of SHST welcome the move, saying it concentrated crime, mischief and drug use in the area.

“You've now destroyed that whole swath of neighbourhood where they have to deal with this, as well,” said City Coun. Bill Gvozdanovic.

“What do you say to those people?”

“It created a lot of theft and a lot of things that people don't want to see,” said business owner Andre Gagnon.

“They need help. Rehab would be the best way to go.”

The CMHA said the site would remain open to offer harm-reduction supplies, service referrals and other supports.

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau called it sad but expected news.

“I'm glad to hear that partners are committed to keeping the site open as an access point for services and supports,” Boileau said.

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But city officials said there are no positives here unless upper levels of government fund a lasting solution.

“You're causing us to argue amongst each other. You got to step in and help out,” Gvozdanovic said.

The CMHA said it will try to keep SHST open until the province makes a decision – but its Health Canada approval for a permanent safe consumption site will expire in September.