The Ontario government has unveiled new details about its initiative to convert nine supervised consumption sites into Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, drawing criticism from healthcare advocates and community members who warn the changes could increase overdose deaths.
The move is part of a broader plan announced last year to close 10 supervised consumption sites across the province due to their proximity to schools and daycare facilities. The closures have sparked backlash, with critics arguing that the decision lacks comprehensive planning and could jeopardize public health.
In a statement issued Thursday, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized that the changes aim to enhance community safety and provide better access to addiction recovery services.
“We have heard loud and clear from families across Ontario that drug injection sites near schools and child-care centres are making our communities less safe,” Jones stated. “Through these nine new HART hubs, part of our government’s $378 million investment to create a total of 19 hubs across the province, we are taking the next step to improve mental health and addiction services while protecting families.”
Four of the nine approved sites are in Toronto, including:
- Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (168 Bathurst St.)
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre (1156 Danforth Ave.)
- Regent Park Community Health Centre (465 Dundas St. E.)
- Toronto Public Health’s The Works (277 Victoria St.)
The HART hubs will provide 24/7 intake services, medical monitoring, outreach, substance use treatment, and housing support. Additionally, they will employ multidisciplinary teams comprising physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and housing support workers.
Critics argue that closing supervised consumption sites risks increasing public drug use and overdoses. A recent study by St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network projected significant negative impacts from the closures. The study highlighted that in 2022, these sites served approximately 561 clients monthly, but after the closures, only 35 individuals will be within 500 metres of an open supervised consumption site.
Ontario’s auditor general also weighed in last month, noting that the Ministry of Health failed to develop a comprehensive plan to address potential consequences, such as an increase in overdoses and emergency department visits. The report also criticized the province for not consulting stakeholders, including the people who rely on these services.
The Neighbourhood Group’s Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site (260 Augusta Ave.), which does not receive provincial funding and was not approved for conversion, is also required to shut down by March 31, 2025.
Despite the province’s assurances of improved access to addiction recovery services, health professionals warn that the closures could lead to a public health crisis. The nine new HART hubs are expected to open by March 31, 2025, as part of Ontario’s broader $378 million investment in addiction recovery and community safety.