City politicians support supervised consumption sites after legal direction
"This really opens the door and I feel we have a really clear path forward now," says health unit CEO
City politicians are treading carefully with their decision to support two proposed downtown locations for supervised consumption sites after receiving a warning from legal staff.
On Monday, the city's planning and environment committee endorsed in principle the sites — 241 Simcoe St. and 446 York St., — chosen by the London Middlesex Health Unit.
The support was registered after city solicitor David Mounteer "[cautioned] council about endorsing any site location" at all.
He noted that any specific location would have to follow the proper order of operations and go through the appropriate planning and zoning process.
As a result, the committee restructured the initial motion put on the table that touched on zoning bylaws related to the sites.
'We are not making a zoning decision'
The approval of the two sites falls in line with a council policy that received the nod from legal staff. It was to ensure that committee wasn't making a decision related to zoning.
"We are not making a zoning decision," said Mayor Matt Brown. "What we are doing is we are functioning as best we can in the environment we find ourselves in. This is an exceptional circumstance. We're going to figure it out but it's going to be a bumpy ride some of the time and largely it's an order of operations piece that involves many levels of government working together."
Some of the committee's hesitancy stems from looming provincial and federal approvals. Chris Mackie, the health unit's CEO, anticipates the green light coming in a matter of "days."
"I was very impressed with how committee handled the recommendations. This points us in the right direction," he said. "This really opens the door and I feel we have a really clear path forward now."
Mackie initially asked the committee to deem both sites as locations to be rezoned as supervised consumption sites when a bylaw is in place.
So what does an endorsement mean? <br><br>Well, it would play a role in the final approvals from federal and provincial governments. <br><br>It would also send a strong message of support to families affected by fatal overdoses and drug-abuse. <br><br>The city would also have a say in zoning.
—@Hala_GhonaimRecord-breaking numbers
In February, the health unit opened the doors to a temporary overdose prevention site at 186 King St. — which broke a new record on Monday with about 59 visits from people using drugs.
"[These issues] are on our streets, in our alleyways, in our hallways, in our own living rooms and basements. It's a serious issue that needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed expeditiously," said Coun. Tanya Park.
Tempers flared at two meetings on the topic last week when affected residents expressed concerns.
In order to create a neighbourhood safety plan, the committee directed city staff to consult with several stakeholders including affected residents, the London Police Service, MLHU, London and Middlesex Housing Corporation and other community partners.
Councillors also supported the decision for city staffers to consult with LMHC to work on any changes related to supervised consumption sites.
City politicians will revisit the motion at full council. The topic will also return to the committee meeting scheduled for May 14.