Safe consumption sites in Timmins, Sudbury looking for stop-gap measures to stay open
Those who operate safe consumption sites are looking for ways to keep them open – at least temporarily.
The province paused funding applications this fall while it reviews the 17 facilities across Ontario.
Without funding, the sites are in limbo and some in northern Ontario are receiving some stop-gap funding.
The safe consumption site in Timmins gets three month temporary extension to stay open after hospital comes forward with funding. (File Photo/Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)The safe consumption site in Timmins will remain operational for at least another three months. It is a temporary measure that site officials hope will help prevent additional overdose deaths.
Municipal funding for Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST) was due to run out Dec. 31, meaning it would have had to close its doors – but the Timmins and District Hospital stepped in to keep it open for three more months.
In an email to CTV News, a hospital spokesperson said:
“This measure, while temporary, underscores Timmins and District Hospital’s dedication to community health and the urgent need for sustainable provincial support of this life-saving service in Timmins and across northern Ontario.”
The hospital said it is a stop-gap measure until permanent funding returns.
SHST has submitted an interim funding proposal to the province to sustain operations but is awaiting a response.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The safe consumption site in Sudbury is facing similar uncertainty.
While provincial funding applications have been paused, the supervised consumption site in Greater Sudbury will remain open thanks to some emergency funding from mining giant Vale. (File photo/Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)‘The Spot’ as its nicknamed is able to operate until the end of January due to a recent donation from mining giant Vale – but beyond that, its future remains unknown.
Officials at both safe consumption sites told CTV News that their harm reduction work is vital to keeping people alive.
Both communities are among the top five with the highest opioid mortality rates in the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.