Lethbridge City Council Votes to Close Overdose Prevention Site

UPDATE: Lethbridge City Council has just voted to advocate for the closure of the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), a crucial shift in support for vulnerable populations in the area. The motion, led by Mayor Blaine Hyggen, passed with a decisive 7-2 vote as officials seek to redirect funding towards expanded community support programs.

The council’s decision comes amid a significant drop in fatal overdoses in Lethbridge, which experienced an alarming 80% decrease in incidents over the past year. Once facing the highest overdose rates in Alberta, Lethbridge has transformed its approach to addiction recovery, prompting Hyggen to declare that the OPS has fulfilled its purpose.

Since August 2020, when the ARCHES organization ceased operations of the Supervised Consumption Site, Alberta Health Services (AHS) took over the OPS with the promise of providing similar services but with a focus on recovery-oriented support. However, more than five years later, officials argue that the OPS should be replaced by programs that better address the community’s immediate needs.

Hyggen pointed out that Lethbridge has seen a remarkable turnaround in overdose statistics, with fatal overdoses dropping by 92% compared to two years ago. A spokesperson from the Alberta Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions attributes this decline to ongoing investments in recovery services, including the recently opened Lethbridge Recovery Community that offers 50 beds for those struggling with substance use.

“Provincial funding supports a variety of medical detox, treatment, and recovery options in the area,” the Ministry stated, highlighting programs that ensure treatment is free for all Albertans.

However, as the city pushes for the OPS closure, they face challenges with the impending end of federal funding for the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) in March 2026. This program has been pivotal in developing targeted prevention strategies for at-risk youth. General Manager of Community Social Development, Andrew Malcolm, warns that without continued investment, vulnerable youths may fall through the cracks.

Malcolm described some alarming cases involving youths as young as 12 who are grappling with addiction and associated risks. “The BSCF program uses early prevention and intervention to help them,” he stated, emphasizing its success in combating challenges faced by local youth.

The council’s motion also calls for the redirection of the $3.8 million currently allocated to the OPS towards enhancing overdose-related programming at the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and other community initiatives. The second part of the motion stresses the need for continued funding for the BSCF program, which costs $650,000 annually.

While the motion received overwhelming support, some dissenting voices, such as Councillor Al Beeber, raised concerns about the implications of closing the OPS. Beeber cited studies indicating that safe syringe access has dramatically reduced HIV transmission rates.

In response, Hyggen reassured that discussions with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Rick Wilson have indicated the province’s commitment to ensuring adequate support systems are in place before any closure occurs. A spokesperson for Wilson confirmed that they are currently reviewing the city’s request.

This urgent push from Lethbridge City Council reflects a broader shift in how communities are addressing addiction and recovery. With the OPS’s future hanging in the balance, local officials are determined to steer funding towards innovative solutions that can further support vulnerable populations.

As developments unfold, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on this critical issue affecting Lethbridge’s approach to public health and safety.