Region of Waterloo begins search for supervised injection site locations

Waterloo region is a bit closer to getting proposed supervised injection sitesafterWaterloo Regional Council voted unanimously to go ahead with the next steps.

Regional council held a special meeting Tuesday morning to discuss if it should proceed with the second phase of theproject in which it will consider up to three supervised injection sites for the region and theirpotential locations.

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"Regional council recognized this is a four-pillar approach, and this is just one aspect of treating drug problems in the community," regional chair, KenSeiling, toldCBCNews.

"The supervised injection sites have been determined to be one of he pieces, especially when it comes to saving lives."

Region of Waterloo Public Health has recommended one sitein Kitchener centre, one in Cambridgewith a potential third mobile location.

Not in Cambridge'sdowntown cores

Cambridge MayorDoug Craigexpressed concern over the location of the proposed supervised injection site in his city. He raised a motionaskingfor theregion toconsult with the City of Cambridge on the location and that it be outside the city cores.

"What we're trying to do is have a say in our community in terms of where we think things will go," Craig told council.

Craig's said his motionmirrorsconcerns voiced byCambridge residentsduring a public feedback session on April 4.

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Opinions were mixed at Tuesday's meeting, with the majority ofcouncillors asking to have the motion deferred.

"I don't think it's unreasonable for Cambridge to advocate for their community and to make the point very clear about how the people of Galt feel," said councillor Sandy Shantz.

"But for me, I can't support this today. I think it's premature and I don't want to tie staff's hands in he final report. I would be prepared to defer this until the report comes in May."

Council voted to put off a decision on Craig's motion until May or June, when a report listing of potential supervised injection site locations is presented.