The mayor of London says the Ontario government still backs a permanent supervised drug consumption site in the city, just not on York Street.
Ed Holder released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, a day after news broke that the Ford government will not provide funding for a permanent supervised consumption site at 446 York St. The Middlesex London Health Unit had been seeking $1.2 million for capital upgrades to the former York Street music store and another $1.3 million annually for operating costs.
"I spoke last night with Christine Elliott, deputy premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, about her government’s decision to reject funding for a permanent supervised consumption site on York Street," the mayor said in his statement. "During the course of our conversation, Minister Elliott assured me that the province remains fully committed to funding the cost of at least one permanent supervised consumption site in London. She has also further pledged to send representatives from the Ministry of Health to London in the near future to discuss the location of this site with all stakeholders, including members of London City Council as well as our Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie."
According to Holder's statement, both he and Elliott agree that there must not be a gap in service between what is being provided at the temporary overdose prevention site at 186 King St. and the opening of a permanent site.
"I appreciate the minister’s attention to this urgent matter and look forward to a resolution," Holder said in the statement.
