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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977485.1721935249!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
LIVE UPDATES Rain reduces wildfire activity, aids firefighters: Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials said Thursday night that rain over the day resulted in "minimal fire behaviour and spread."
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.