Greater Sudbury looking at two downtown sites for temporary safe injection site
With the search for a permanent site frustrated, city council in Greater Sudbury is considering two downtown locations to set up a temporary site where people battling opioid addiction can shoot up safely.
A staff report headed to council Tuesday outlines plans to set up temporary trailers to create the temporary supervised consumption site. If approved, it would be established either at the Elgin Street parking lot or at the Energy Court near Lorne Street.
Among the many requirements for a supervised consumption site, Public Health Sudbury & Districts said it needs at least 2,500 square feet, accessibility for paramedics, zoned for office use, and support from nearby businesses and neighbours.
Members of the Community Drug Strategy – a group that includes health, political and police officials – told councillors last month they have been unable to find a site. Either locations were not suitable, or the owner of the property didn't want to rent their properties for a consumption site.
Council directed city staff to come up with options on city land downtown, and several properties were reviewed before the final two sites were recommended. It would give the group about three years to find a permanent location.
The temporary site would have three rooms – an intake room, a consumption room and a post-consumption room where health officials can care for users.
The Energy Court site offers about two acres in space, isn't currently in use, and the trailers could be set up on the westerly limit of the land. The Elgin Street parking lot is a more central location, and is close to the Samaritan Centre and other services for the vulnerable population.
But it would reduce the amount of parking available downtown, the city staff report said.
"If this parking lot was considered, it would reduce the parking supply by an estimated 25 spaces," the report said. "This lot is currently used for monthly parking during business hours and is used for events at the Sudbury Arena, Sudbury Theatre Centre and other downtown events. Prior to the pandemic, it was fully subscribed and routinely had a waiting list of motorists willing to purchase monthly passes."
And when The Junction project is built, another 130 parking spaces would be lost downtown. For that reason, the report recommends the Energy Court.
"The Energy Court site would allow for development of an outdoor area with grass, trees or other vegetation designated for passive recreation, without further impacts to existing parking," the report said.
"The estimated cost of installing three trailers on a site, including renovations, site preparation, mechanical, electrical, connection to services such as water, sanitary and hydro and leasing the trailers for a three-year term is approximately $800,000."
The project would be paid for by drawing on funds in the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve, a fund that provides for year-to-year variances in the operating budget. This reserve may also fund one-time expenditures, with the approval of city council.
Councillors will vote on the plan at their June 15 meeting.
Read the full report here.
Correction
This story has been updated to clarify the purpose of the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.