This might come as a surprise to some overdose prevention advocates in Ontario, but licenses for 21 existing safe injection sites in the province are set to expire this Sunday.
However, they're not going away. But, there will be six fewer sites in the province.
Newstalk1010 learning today that the Ontario government is launching a new model to ensure those struggling with addiction can get supports that include rehabilitation.
They will now be called "Consumption and Treatment Services" sites.
Only 15 have been approved, so it's unclear what will happen to existing sites with licenses, that will expire in days.
One site that has garnered alot of attention is the Victoria Street site, near Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. Some local residents and business owners in the area have reportedly raised concerns. But there's no word yet whether that location will be impacted.
Speaking to our sister station CP24, Councillor Joe Cressy said he's disappointed with the news.
"At 3 in the afternoon on Friday with no notice and no early warning, the province announced that they were closing six life-saving supervised consumption sites in this province, including three in the City of Toronto. And what this means is that people who need life-saving care related to overdoses are not going to be able to access it and that's deeply distressing."
Mayor John Tory issuing a statement tonight saying that he's deeply troubled by this sudden announcement:
"We are in the midst of an overdose epidemic in our country and supervised consumption services are one of the best tools we have right now to help save lives and I am deeply troubled by this sudden announcement.
I support these sites because the evidence from our health professionals showed that they would stop preventable deaths and I believe they have done that and continue to do that. They give people the opportunity to get the help they need to address their addictions and are part of the many options we should be providing to people who need it.
This announcement that leaves Toronto Public Health's Victoria Street site in limbo and appears to close two other sites in the city is extremely disturbing, particularly because it came with no advanced warning or communication from the province. While there have been some challenges we have been actively addressing in the area of the Victoria Street site, the facts easily demonstrate that many lives have been saved there. It is a frontline location in our efforts to combat addiction and save lives.
It is disappointing that the process that led to this did not include consultation with public health officials about closing these sites. These sites all underwent extensive consultation and a lengthy approval process prior to their opening. Such short notice seems unnecessary and, at the very least, time extensions for the professional staff and clients should be considered.
I am consulting with Toronto's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa and Board of Health Chair Councillor Joe Cressy and after obtaining their advice. I intend to register my strong concern with provincial government officials."
With files from the Canadian Press