Calgary and Province in Dispute over Closure of Drug Consumption Site
The Alberta government is urging Calgary city council to lead the way in closing down a drug consumption site in the city. However, Calgary’s mayor has stated that the city has been waiting for the province to come up with a solution for years.
On October 2, Alberta Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams posted a letter on the X platform addressed to Calgary’s council regarding the matter.
In his letter, Williams asked the Calgary mayor and council for their stance on closing the downtown Sheldon M. Chumir drug consumption site and transitioning it to addiction recovery care. If city council approves this change, Williams mentioned that the province will collaborate to develop a “comprehensive addiction recovery plan” with relevant stakeholders.
Williams’ letter was in response to a post by Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on X, where she stated that decisions about drug consumption sites are under provincial jurisdiction.
Gondek’s letter to Williams highlighted the city’s long wait for the province to propose additional or alternative solutions since 2022. She also warned about the potential negative impacts of closing the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre without proper alternatives.
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In his response letter, Williams emphasized the challenges associated with drug consumption sites and the need for community involvement in decision-making.
Williams stated his opposition to expanding new drug consumption sites in Calgary, indicating that such proposals would need clear locations provided by the city if they were to be considered.
The city council has scheduled a debate on closing the site for its October 29 meeting.
Ontario Bans Sites Near Schools
Aside from Alberta, the Government of Ontario recently announced a ban on drug consumption sites within 200 meters of schools and child care centers.
This decision will result in the closure of around nine of Ontario’s 22 drug consumption sites and one self-funded site by March 31, 2025.
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford’s government is planning to introduce legislation prohibiting new drug consumption sites and safer supply initiatives by municipalities or organizations. They will also prevent these groups from advocating for the decriminalization of illegal drugs.
Ontario has also mandated new safety measures around remaining drug consumption sites to ensure community safety.
