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The Ontario government has served notice it will end funding to at least two drug consumption sites in Toronto, drawing concern from advocates.
In letters dated Friday, the Ontario Ministry of Health told the Fred Victor Centre and South Riverdale Community Health Centre that funding for the centres used to operate their consumption and treatment services sites will come to an end in 90 days, as of June 13, 2026.
The Fred Victor Centre operates a site at 145 Queen St. E., while the South Riverdale Community Health Centre operates a site at 134 Sherbourne St.
“This decision reflects Ontario’s commitment to prioritizing treatment, recovery and supports that help individuals move toward long-term stability while protecting Ontario communities,” said Elizabeth Walker, executive lead for office of the chief medical officer of health.
Walker said the notice will provide an “orderly transition” for people who use the sites so that they can be referred to other community health services, including at the Toronto Region’s local HART Hub.
Zoe Dodd, an advocate for harm reduction, said sites in Peterborough, Kingston, London, St. Catharines and two in Ottawa also received letters from the province telling them that they will be shut down.
CBC Toronto has reached out to the ministry for details about the numbers of sites that received letters Friday, but has yet not heard back.
‘This decision is deadly,’ advocate says
Dodd said the news is “absolutely appalling” and the sites save lives.
“What the government is choosing to do today will cause deaths,” Dodd said. “It’s something that we said would happen when the sites closed and people did die.”
“This decision is deadly. We are angry about this decision and we will be fighting back.”
In a statement Friday, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), condemned the province’s decision to defund drug consumption sites across the province, calling it “misguided.”
“Communities across Ontario and throughout Canada are facing an unprecedented opioid crisis, alongside escalating homelessness and mental health challenges. This is a moment that demands expanded, evidence-based supports — not reduced access to critical, lifesaving health care services.,” it continued.
“The loss of these services will disproportionately harm already marginalized communities, including Indigenous and racialized people, as well as those experiencing poverty and homelessness, who face systemic barriers to accessing health care and other supports.”
The CCLA called on the province to reverse its decision to end funding to drug consumption sites and to uphold the safety, health and dignity of all people, including those addicted to substances.
The letter to the centres says they provide a plan by April 10, 2026 including a list of assets bought with ministry funds and anticipated costs to wind down operations.
Walker says the plan should also include information on strategies to transition clients to other community health services as well as transitions for staff, among other things.
The letter says officials will be in touch with the sites to develop plans on connecting to HART Hub Services, other community-based treatment and recovery supports.
