The government of Ontario has announced the discontinuation of funding for at least three provincially supported drug consumption sites, including two located in Toronto. This decision, revealed through letters acquired by CBC Toronto, informed the Fred Victor Centre and South Riverdale Community Health Centre in Toronto, as well as the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service in London, Ont., that provincial financial support for their operations will cease within 90 days from June 13, 2026.
During a recent news conference, advocates for harm reduction expressed concerns about the closure notices received by sites in Peterborough, Kingston, St. Catharines, and two in Ottawa. The letters issued by Elizabeth Walker, executive lead for the office of the chief medical officer of health, outlined a 90-day notice period to facilitate a smooth transition for clients to access alternative community health services, including local HART Hubs.
Advocates such as Zoe Dodd from the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society criticized the government’s decision, emphasizing the life-saving impact of these sites and warning that the closures could lead to fatal consequences. Janet Butler-McPhee of the HIV Legal Network described the move as “cowardly,” stressing the vital role these sites play in saving lives and enhancing community safety.
Notably, three drug consumption sites in Toronto operated by Street Health, Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site, and Casey House will remain open as they are not funded by the province. The Regional HIV Aids Connection, which manages the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service in London, Ont., expressed a commitment to ensuring uninterrupted care for those who rely on their services.
In response to the funding withdrawal, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) condemned the decision, labeling it as “misguided” and highlighting the detrimental impact it could have on marginalized communities. The CCLA urged the province to reconsider its stance and prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals, including those struggling with substance addiction.
Furthermore, as part of its shift towards an abstinence-based model, the Ontario government had previously banned drug consumption sites from operating within 200 meters of schools or daycares in 2024. This move targeted the closure of 10 sites by March 2025, with most opting to transition to the new HART hubs model focusing on homelessness and addiction recovery treatment. The government has also prohibited the establishment of new consumption sites, emphasizing its focus on abstinence-based approaches and the development of HART hubs and supportive housing units.
