After a presentation and discussion with a top Island Health doctor this spring, one Victoria councillor is calling on the city to halt safe consumption sites.
The Harbour, an Island Health site that opened in June 2018, provides a place where people can use illegal drugs under the supervision of trained health professionals and peer support workers.
The Harbour Supervised Consumption Service, located at 941 Pandora Ave., features 10 consumption booths, a waiting area, post-use areas, a mental health counselling room, a nurse clinic room, and a medication room. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The facility also houses Island Health’s Assertive Community Treatment teams and associated clinical services.
It operates under a federal exemption to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, with its latest exemption expiring June 30, 2027.
With confirmation from chief medical officer Dr. Reka Gustafson that illicit drugs are both allowed and consumed on site, Gardiner contends it poses a safety risk for the community.
“(Gustafson) stated further that those accessing the drug supervision service tend to be regular clientele while most of the those encamped on the 900 block of Pandora do not seek supervision of drug consumption,” reads a pending motion from Gardiner. “(The Harbour) has become a magnet for those addicted to drugs and for drug dealers who prey on the weak and ill among those encamped in our city. The safety of our city, the health and well-being of our residents and the viability of our downtown businesses must be priorities of this council.”
She plans to seek council support to formally issue a request to Island Health CEO Kathy MacNeil and board chair Leah Hollins that Island Health cease operations of any safe consumption site in Victoria as of Aug. 31.
Gardiner’s motion is set to appear for discussion at the July 10 committee meeting that starts at 9 a.m. Find the agenda and ways to participate online at victoria.ca.
