Region is inviting suggestions for possible supervised consumption sites

WATERLOO REGION — People with ideas for where a supervised consumption site could be located in Waterloo Region can now submit their ideas to widen the search.

The region posted an online survey that includes information about what it’s looking for in a potential site, and allows people to suggest locations for consideration until July 28.

“We welcome these suggestions,” said Karen QuigleyHobbs, director of infectious disease, dental and sexual health.

The region wants to open two sites — one in Kitchener and one in Cambridge.

Three locations are currently on the shortlist: 115 Water St. N. in Kitchener, and 149 Ainslie St. N. and 150 Main St. in Cambridge.

A second location in Kitchener was dropped when the region found out it was not available.

Council directed staff at a June meeting to be open to suggestions from citizens for possible sites in both Kitchener and Cambridge.

The survey includes federal and provincial requirements in three key areas — need, capacity and accessibility — to help people “self-evaluate” a site.

“It’s just to help guide people as to priorities,” Quigley-Hobbs said.

The site criteria include being located in an area of high need, as indicated by high rates of overdose and public drug use.

Maps are included showing where paramedic calls for opioidrelated overdoses are highest — central Kitchener and the Galt core in Cambridge.

The site should be at least 1,000 square feet, but ideally should be closer to 2,000 square feet to accommodate wraparound services and have room for security measures.

The site should be located within a 10-minute walk to areas of highest reported drug use, be easily accessible by public transit and to those with disabilities, be close to complementary health and social services, and be accessible by first responders.

“None of these are absolute,” Quigley-Hobbs said.

“It’s unlikely we’re going to find the perfect site.”

Suggested sites will be evaluated based on the criteria.

Those that score well will be further evaluated.

The region hopes to begin consultations in the neighbourhoods of candidate locations in August.

People can also get general information about supervised consumption services, as suggested by regional councillors to counter misinformation.

Find out more at http://bit.ly/SCS-survey.