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
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.