Josie Osborne, the Minister of Health, has issued a statement regarding the potential overdose-prevention site for downtown Vancouver.
“Vancouver continues to experience the highest rates of unregulated drug deaths in B.C. During this public health emergency, it is critical that people at risk of overdose have access to timely supports and services that save lives and help prevent serious harms,” said the statement.
Vancouver Coastal Health is working to establish an overdose-prevention site in the downtown core at 900 Helmcken Street.
“Vancouver Coastal Health…recognizes the importance of ensuring these services support both vulnerable people in need of care and the businesses, residents, and workers in surrounding neighbourhoods.”
There has been controversy since the opening was announced.
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Mayor Ken Sim has voiced his opposition to the site and stated he would direct staff at council to “use all tools available” to prevent the opening of the site.
He also stated that he was in opposition to any overdose-prevention sites in Vancouver.
Tools he alluded to using included “reviewing permitting, business licensing, and past agreements.”
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“We, along with the Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, are committed to taking steps to fully engage with stakeholders and community ahead of any new site opening. Vancouver Coastal Health will not proceed with the overdose-prevention site at 900 Helmcken St. at this time, and there is currently no planned date for opening.”
Despite the province not moving forward at this point, Osborne states that they will work with Vancouver to get a site opened for the health and safety of all.
“The province is committed to working collaboratively with the City of Vancouver, local businesses and community partners to ensure people can access life-saving services, while addressing concerns raised by the community and supporting safe, healthy neighbourhoods for everyone. The mobile overdose-prevention site will continue to operate to provide a limited number of services in the area.”