372 York St. picked for permanent drug consumption site, pending federal approval

London health officials are applying to have 372 York St. approved as the city's permanent supervised drug consumption site, a location that must be approved by Health Canada.  

The site is located just east of London's downtown core on the north side of York Street, between Waterloo and Colborne Streets. It's directly across from the London Free Press building, which is slated for redevelopment as an entrepreneurship hub. 

London's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Chris Mackie, says the site ticked a number of boxes. 

"We've spoken to many people, from those who are addicted, to residents, local businesses and community partners; we've also heard from thousands of people online and what is clear is that our community desperately needs this kind of facility," he said. "I expect this permanent facility will not only save lives, but it will also change them forever for the better."

Since February, London has operated a temporary overdose prevention site alongside the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection and the Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program at 186 King St. 

Permanent overdose prevention sites require a federal exemption from Health Canada.

So far, Health Canada has approved nine safe consumption sites in Ontario: five in Toronto and four in Ottawa. 

Opioid crisis taking a toll in London

The sites provide a place where users can consume illegal under the supervision of medical professionals and harm reduction workers. The idea is to reduce the number of fatal overdoses caused by increasingly lethal opioids being sold and mixed into the supply of other street drugs. 

London had three fatal overdoses in a five-day stretch in mid-January.

More than 2.5 million needles are handed out to drug users each year in London, making the city second to only Vancouver when it comes to publicly funded needle use in Canada.

Brian Lester, executive director at Regional HIV / AIDS Connection, said the York Street site is located close to other service providers that work with people battling addiction. 

"Opening a permanent supervised consumption facility isn't going to solve our local drug crisis, but it is going to help us manage it," he said. Regional HIV / AIDS Connection is joining MLHU in applying for the York Street location.

No timeline was announced for the opening of London's supervised consumption facility, however it is expected to take several months to complete the application review, prepare the space and hire staff.

In the meantime, the temporary overdose prevention site at 186 King St. will continue to operate.