Cambridge has picked a location for its consumption and treatment services site. Now what?

It will be several months before the consumption and treatment services site (CTS) inCambridge, Ont.,is fully operational and city staff are now working to get the application process underway.

Cambridge MayorKathryn McGarry told CBC News the cityis working with Region of Waterloo Public Health and the local Ontario Health Team to find an organization that will be willing to operate the site before sending the city's application to the province.

"It's now up to an operator to step forward and to work with all the partners in order to make the application and get moving on it," she said.

On Tuesday,Cambridge city council voted to endorse a CTS site at 150 Main St.in downtown Galt, after council received a report that showedthemajority ofpeople who responded to a survey abouttwo other potential sites on 15 Easton St. and 8 Oxford St. were opposed to those locations.

"Today I think council is satisfied that they made the best decision," McGarry said.

Site users want anonymity

McGarrybelieves it was the consultation report thatpushed council to take another look at 150 Main St, which is also the location ofone of two primary Region of Waterloo Public Health offices.

"Too many responses in the report have negatively stigmatized and disrespected people who use drugs. Clients of the CTS want to be anonymous for this reason. We need a site that allows both housed and unhoused drug users access to this amenity, while remaining anonymous; 150 Main does this," saidCoun.Donna Reid at the special council meeting on Tuesday night.

"We did recognize and agree with the community that it was in the middle of a residential area and likely was not going to be successful," said McGarry.

"Because of the wrap-around services being already at 150 Main St. already havinga drop in centre, where people who use drugs tend to be, and the fact that [staff] are having to reverse anywhere from three to eight overdosesoutside of 150 Main St.building per month meant that council did change their mind and felt that 150 Main was actually the best area," she said.

'Lead with compassion'

McGarry said the local Ontario Health Team has indicated there are some members or organizations within the community who are willing to come forward as a potential operator.

"They were waiting for this decision from city council first before they entered into those discussions," she said, adding it'sa process she hopes gets done as soon as possible.

McGarry addsshe's optimistic the province will support the site.

McGarry said she understands the community's concern, but hopes they look to neighbouring cities like Kitchener and Guelph, that have had success with their consumption and treatment services sites.

"I get it and so we'll continue to lead with compassion and continue to communicate what's happening along the way," she said.