Yukon Supervised Consumption Site Faces Weekend Shutdown Risks

The Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, which operates the supervised consumption site in downtown Whitehorse, is at risk of permanently shutting down weekend services due to staffing shortages. This decision follows a significant safety incident involving a replica gun earlier in the year, which led to the site temporarily closing for repairs. Executive Director Jill Aalhus expressed concerns that if funding is not approved quickly by the Yukon government, vulnerable individuals who rely on the facility for supervised consumption will be left without critical support during weekends.

Since the site opened on September 29, 2021, it has played a crucial role in harm reduction efforts, responding to 147 overdose incidents without any fatalities. However, the recent suspension of weekend operations poses a serious risk to individuals who use substances, as they may resort to using in more hazardous conditions. “Every weekend that the supervised consumption site is closed is a weekend where people who use substances are having to use in more dangerous environments,” Aalhus stated.

In light of these challenges, the centre has requested an additional 130,000 CAD from the Yukon government to restore weekend services. The urgency of this funding request has been amplified by the approaching territorial elections, which could further delay the reopening of the site on Saturdays and Sundays.

Staffing Issues Compound Safety Concerns

The staffing crisis has worsened since the spring incident, making it difficult for the Blood Ties Four Directions Centre to maintain adequate personnel levels during weekend hours. Aalhus noted that while the organization has historically faced recruitment and retention challenges, the need for highly trained staff who can handle medical emergencies has become increasingly pressing. “We can’t operate if we can’t provide the safety that our community and our clientele deserve,” she emphasized.

The centre has made adjustments to staffing during weekdays, but the lack of skilled workers hampers its ability to safely operate on weekends. During weekends, at least two trained staff members are essential to oversee operations, provide support services, and ensure the safety of clients. The need for experienced personnel is critical, especially for responding to overdoses and managing complex situations.

Impact on Service Utilization

The supervised consumption site has seen a significant increase in usage since extending its hours in early 2024, with monthly visits surging from 900 to over 3,000. However, following the suspension of weekend services, monthly visits have dropped by approximately 1,000 to 2,000. “When the site is open seven days, it becomes part of people’s daily routine,” Aalhus explained, highlighting the disruption caused by the weekend closures.

The Yukon government has historically supported the supervised consumption site, committing more than 1.34 million CAD in funding for the 2025-26 fiscal year. However, the operational budget for the Whitehorse site remains significantly lower than comparable facilities in cities like Calgary and Toronto, which operate with more substantial financial resources. Aalhus pointed out that the Calgary site, for instance, sees twice the visitation numbers as the Whitehorse site, yet it operates with three times the funding.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Blood Ties Four Directions Centre continues to advocate for increased funding to address staffing issues and restore weekend hours. “Since its inception, we have been advocating for a small increase in funding,” Aalhus noted, expressing frustration over the four-month wait for a response to their funding proposal.

The Yukon government recognizes the critical role that the supervised consumption site plays in community health and safety. A statement from the Department of Health and Social Services emphasized their commitment to supporting harm reduction initiatives and addressing staffing challenges.

Aalhus remains hopeful that the importance of harm reduction will resonate across political lines as the territory prepares for elections. “This emergency affects everybody, regardless of their political orientation,” she concluded, underscoring the urgent need for continued support for the supervised consumption site and the vulnerable populations it serves.