Supervised injection sites need sensitive discussion, especially in Cambridge

Of all the statistics in all the studies that have been put together since we became aware of the soaring opioid overdose crisis in Waterloo Region, this one stands out.

The vast majority of people who inject drugs — 86.3 per cent — said that they would use, or might use, supervised injection services if they were available locally.

That’s a loud and clear cry for help. How can the rest of the community not respond?

Supervised injection sites are being discussed at Cambridge council this week and next. It’s a particularly difficult topic, because the Galt section of Cambridge is particularly vulnerable.

A supervised injection site is one of many strategies to help people who are addicted live more safely, and to help offer a helping hand out of the addiction.

It offers anonymity to the client. He or she gets clean needles and other items for the injection to reduce transmission of bloodborne diseases. A health-care professional stays there while the injection is happening.

Other assistance is also available, including treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, methadone clinics and addiction counselling, when and if the client is ready to accept it.

Police would enforce the law, but focus more on “the supply side related to illegal substances

and enforcement of other criminal activities,” says a report being considered by Cambridge council.

“Partnership and communication is an important part of this relationship,” says the report. “In London, for example, clients are asked directly to be respectful in terms of refraining from drug activity outside the site or being disruptive to neighbours.”

In downtown Kitchener, a centre like this would hardly be noticed if it were established. It would be one part of a robust cultural mosaic including wellpaid professionals, new urban millennials, artists, office workers and social service agencies.

But Kitchener wasn’t always like this. It got bigger and more bustling because of more than $2 billion of development that has emerged in anticipation of the light rail line through its core. We’ve seen the growth of condo towers, factories turned into stylish workplaces, and high-end restaurants.

Cambridge hasn’t had that same privilege because it doesn’t yet have light rail.

With its beautiful church spires, heritage buildings, and the gleaming Grand River that runs through it, downtown Galt is the most beautiful cityscape for many miles. But it’s still relatively thinly populated. Streets get empty when the shops close.

Some people in this neighbourhood are fearful that an injection site will be the “straw that broke the camel’s back” as business owner Joanne Malone has put it. Others say a site is a better solution than needles on public trails and parks.

Perhaps Cambridge needs a site that’s in or near its hospital, instead. That’s a good idea in some respects, because the hospital is further from homes and businesses. It’s a bad idea for the same reason. A site like this should be easy to get to.

A lengthy, informed and compassionate community discussion is called for. At the end, the decision should be mindful of everyone’s interests. Not everyone will be happy with the end result. But most important is that it’s fair.