Toronto Faces Overdose Spike as Supervised Consumption Sites Close, Warns Top Health Official
TORONTO, ON – The closure of five supervised drug consumption sites in Toronto this spring, mandated by new provincial laws, is expected to result in an increase in overdoses and emergency calls, according to the city’s acting medical officer of health.
In a report presented to the Toronto Board of Health on Monday, Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey urged the Ontario government to expand access to supervised consumption services, particularly at existing sites that align with the new regulations.
“These facilities save lives, connect people to social services, and act as pathways to treatment,” Lamptey emphasized. “The new legislation will reduce access to an evidence-based clinical health care service, leading to an anticipated increase in preventable fatal and non-fatal overdoses.”
Province Shifts Focus to Recovery Hubs
Under Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government, Ontario is implementing tighter restrictions on supervised consumption sites. Ten sites across the province are set to close, including five in Toronto, due to their proximity to schools and daycares. The government has also prohibited the establishment of new sites.
In place of harm reduction strategies, the province is transitioning to an abstinence-based model with the introduction of 19 new “Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment” (HART) hubs. These hubs, which will offer addiction care, primary health services, supportive housing, and other social services, are part of a $378 million initiative that also includes 375 new supportive housing units.
“HART hubs will connect individuals to comprehensive care, going beyond the services previously offered at drug injection sites,” said Ema Popovic, spokeswoman for Health Minister Sylvia Jones.
Rising Overdose Rates and Emergency Calls
Ontario has faced a dramatic increase in drug overdoses, particularly since illicit fentanyl began to dominate the drug supply in 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis, with over 2,600 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Toronto alone accounted for 528 of those fatalities.
Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 2,802 suspected opioid overdose calls in 2023, leading to nearly 3,000 emergency department visits and 456 hospitalizations.
“With the anticipated reduction in supervised consumption services, there is a significant risk of increased overdose deaths,” Lamptey wrote. “Without these services, individuals are more likely to use drugs alone in unsafe environments, heightening the danger.”
Impact on Emergency Services
The closures, set to take effect after March 31, are expected to place additional strain on Toronto’s emergency services.
“Toronto Paramedic Services anticipates an increase in overdose-related calls, greater demand for naloxone administration, and more frequent hospital transports,” Lamptey noted. “There may also be higher demand for non-emergency health care, naloxone distribution, and public education.”
Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Police are also monitoring the potential impact. While the fire service has not provided specific projections, the police force remains committed to addressing mental health and substance use as public health issues. All frontline officers are trained in naloxone administration to reverse overdoses.
Call for Action
Dr. Lamptey has recommended that the province incorporate needle exchange programs into the new HART hubs and release plans to mitigate the anticipated strain on the healthcare system.
Despite these calls, the provincial government remains firm in its approach, citing community safety concerns near existing consumption sites as a key reason for the closures.
As Toronto grapples with the opioid epidemic, health officials, paramedics, and community advocates are urging the province to reconsider its policies, warning that lives hang in the balance.
Source : The Canadian Press
