Tentative would be the word to describe some Barrie councillors’ support for a safe consumption site at 19 Innisfil St.
“I still have to read the report and information, but I am at the moment supportive of the location,” said Coun. Sergio Morales.
Both Couns. Natalie Harris and Gary Harvey said they wanted to know more before commenting.
“Very limited information has been provided to us thus far on what each location offers, pros (and) cons,” Harvey said. “It truly would be way too early for me to commit to any one location prior to SMOS (Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy) providing full details or them making their presentation on May 25 in front of council.”
Harris also said she wanted to wait for the presentation before commenting.
An SCS provides a safe space and sterile equipment for individuals to use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of health-care staff. Consumption refers to taking opioids and other drugs by injection, smoking, snorting or orally.
On Thursday, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced that 19 Innisfil St., also known as 80 Bradford St., Unit 940, has been identified as the proposed location for an SCS in Barrie. Also considered for the SCS were 110 Dunlop St. W. Unit 4, 11 Sophia St. W., and 192 Bradford St.
The search for a location was carried out by the lead applicant, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Simcoe County Branch, and the SMDHU as co-applicant, along with the SCS site selection advisory committee.
Coun. Clare Riepma said 19 Innisfil is a good choice.
"(The health unit) has done a lot of work to find a site and I am pleased that they finally have settled on one,” he said. “It appears to be a good choice. Close to the downtown, but not too close and close to the centre of the population that they serve.”
“It is long overdue,” said Deputy Mayor Barrie Ward. “I am good with any location as long as effective measures are put in place to mitigate effects on the surrounding community. These could include very good lighting, clean-up, security and regular consultation with neighbours to see if there are any concerns.”
Coun. Ann-Marie Kungl also likes the location chosen.
“I understand the location put forward… presents a well-informed position that 19 Innisfil St. is the best option to effectively serving individuals who will access the site, as well as being in a location with ease of access to other partner services,” she said. “I am pleased to hear that the location can support wrap-around health and social service access on-site and is in close proximity to key health partners.”
Kungl said she appreciated the health unit, CMHA and committee’s work on this matter and that the public had an opportunity to be involved.
“I am looking forward to their presentation on May 25 and moving closer to getting a SCS opened in our city,” she said.
Selecting a location is part of the ongoing application process for a SCS site in Barrie.
Endorsement of the proposed SCS location will be sought at a presentation to Barrie city council on May 25.
If endorsement is received, an application to the federal government for exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and to the provincial government for their approval for funding, will be completed and submitted.
Couns. Robert Thomson and Mike McCann could not be reached for comment by BarrieToday.
Coun. Jim Harris has a potential conflict of interest on this matter, as an immediate family member is with the CMHA.
