Region adds 2 more possible locations for supervised consumption site

Waterloo Region hasadded two additional candidate locationsin Kitchenerfor the region's supervised consumption site (SCS), according to a regional report to be presented Tuesday.

Staff recommend 33 Kent Ave. and 150 Duke St. as additional locations for consideration. The two addresses were chosen from hundreds of suggested locations submitted by the public.

• 4 potential locations for supervised injection sites considered
• What's the difference between a supervised consumption site and an overdose prevention site?

In June, regional councildirected staffto survey the public forpossible additional SCSlocations, saidKaren Quigley-Hobbs, director of infectious disease, dental and sexual health for the region.

Throughout the month of July, the region received 310 submission with222 of those submissions being repeated entries.

"I think [people] really put their mind to finding locations that would be good suggestions," said Quigley-Hobbs.

The Kent Ave location was identifiedas a two-storey structure in an area near other services used by the target population and isaccessible by transit.

The Duke St. locationis a large 6500 sq ft building near services used by the target population. The building has onsite parking as well.

However,no additional sites were recommendedfor Cambridge.

The majority suggested Cambridge Memorial Hospital or areas close by, but the hospital is morea 10-minute walk from the area of need and many drug users said they avoid large health institutions because they feel intimidating, said the report.

More consultations

There are five candidate locations for the region's SCSwith upcoming consultation dates for businesses and residents within 250 metres of the site and additional dates for members of the public.

Kitchener:

• 115 Water St. N. onAug. 27 for residents and businesses.
• 33 Kent Ave. on Aug. 28 for residentsand businesses.
• 150 Duke St. W. onSept.12 for residents and businesses.

Consultation dates for members of the public will be held Aug.29 and Sept. 13.

Cambridge:

• 150 Main St.on Aug.30 for residents and businesses.
• 149 Ainslie St. N. on Sept.10 for residents and businesses.

Consultation dates for members of the public will be held August 31 and Sept.11.