Regional report zeroes in on Duke Street for Kitchener supervised consumption site

The Region of Waterloo public health department has zeroed in on a location in Kitchener for a supervised consumption site, but more work will have to be done to find a second site in Cambridge.

The Kitchener site would be located at 150 Duke St. W, according to a report to the region's community services committee.

The location was selected based on cost, input from the community members and local organizations as well as the readiness of the site.

It was chosen over two other locations in Kitchenerat 115 Water St. N. and 105 Victoria St. N.

Public health is also recommending that a fourth potential location, at 150 Main St. in Cambridge, be removed from consideration "due to the very high levels of community opposition to this site."

Cambridge residents have been vocally opposed to the Main Street location.

City council also recently extended a temporary bylaw preventing a site from being located in any of Cambridge's three downtown cores.

Region to apply for provincial funding

The report recommends the region work in partnership with the City of Cambridge to find an alternative location in Galt.

In the meantime, staff are recommending the region apply to the provincial government's Consumption and Treatment Services program for funding for the proposed site at 150 Duke St. W., as well as a federal exemption to provide supervised consumption services.

The estimated operating cost of the site is $802,000, plus an additional $438,000 in capital costs for improvements and equipment, according to the report.

The proposed service model would include consumption and harm reduction services through Sanguen Health Centre, addictions treatment and counselling through the House of Friendship and primary care through the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre.

People who use the site would also be directed to other health and social services in the community, including addictions treatment services, housing supports and opioid replacement therapy.

The report will be presented to the community services committee on Tuesday.

Any of the recommendations would need final approval from regional council.