Overdose prevention site in Timmins to be housed in old Living Space shelter location
The original site of Living Space homeless shelter in Timmins is being converted into an overdose prevention site. Cochrane District Social Services owns the building and the City of Timmins has provided about $1 million to pay for what's being called: 'Safe Health Site Timmins.'
The Timmins and District Hospital will run it and staff the facility, and it said the site will offer more to clients than just a place for people to consume drugs.
“We’re able to make those referrals to our own withdrawal management programs that we have in the Timmins and District Hospital," said Patrick Nowak, manager of the addictions program at Timmins and District Hospital.
"We can refer to treatment in out-patient or in-patient addictions services (and) we can refer to detoxification services or any services that really meets the client’s need and promotes a better outcome for that client."
No opening date has been set, but Nowak said the site will have to be inspected first by the federal government. He's hoping it will be soon.
“It all depends on Health Canada," Nowak said.
"I’m not too comfortable with giving set dates. The sooner the better, in all honesty. There are lives that need saving now, but you know, all things considered, I’m hoping for something in February, based on a variety of factors. But again that’s not necessarily something set in stone.”
The development is being closely watched by officials at Downtown Timmins. They said a recent meeting with the hospital, health unit and police cleared up misconceptions.
“They covered everything," said Jamie Roach, president of the board of directors for Downtown Timmins BIA.
"I’m sure as the process evolves, more questions will come. But they also were clear to state that all three groups are available to answer questions whenever we need them answered and that, as well, was really, really helpful.”
The region covered by the Porcupine Health Unit has one of the highest number of overdose-related deaths. Officials are hoping the site will help create a safer and healthier community, which will save lives and be less taxing on emergency services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.