Ottawa’s Supervised Consumption Service Closes Amid Funding Crisis

BREAKING: The supervised consumption service at 179 Clarence Street in Ottawa has officially closed, following a lack of provincial endorsement from Ontario’s Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. This urgent decision leaves the city with only two remaining supervised consumption facilities.

The closure comes in the wake of Ottawa Public Health (OPH) failing to secure a renewal for its federal exemption, which expired on September 30, 2023. Under Ontario’s new Community Care and Recovery Act, the program was unable to continue without the province’s approval—a crucial endorsement that did not materialize. The impact of this closure is immediate and significant for the community.

In a memo to city council, Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa’s medical officer of health, expressed serious concerns about the ramifications of this closure. “OPH is disappointed and concerned about the impact the closure will have on residents who rely on these important services,” he stated, emphasizing the critical role of harm reduction in healthcare.

The Clarence Street facility has been a vital resource, recording nearly 33,000 visits since its inception in 2017. In just 2024, it facilitated 3,546 visits and responded to 27 non-fatal overdoses, demonstrating its importance in preventing fatalities and providing essential support services.

Dr. Arnason highlighted that harm reduction services like these save lives, reduce the spread of blood-borne infections, and foster trusted relationships with drug users, connecting them to vital services such as housing and mental health care. The closure is expected to have a devastating effect on individuals who depend on these services.

Despite the closure of the supervised consumption site, OPH reassured the public that harm reduction services will still be provided at 179 Clarence Street. These services include supply distribution, naloxone training, and testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. OPH’s mobile harm reduction van will continue operating seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., ensuring ongoing support for those in need.

The remaining supervised sites at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and The Trailer 2.0 at the Shepherds of Good Hope remain operational, but the loss of the Clarence Street facility is a significant blow to the community’s harm reduction efforts.

No employees will be laid off due to the closure as resources are being reallocated, according to Dr. Arnason. He affirmed OPH’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of all residents, stating, “We will continue engaging with individuals in need, building trust and facilitating access to services to achieve long-term well-being.”

In a city grappling with the ongoing overdose crisis, the closure of this site represents a critical setback in Ottawa’s Overdose Prevention and Response Strategy. As the community seeks to address these urgent health challenges, the focus will now shift to how remaining services can adapt and respond to the growing needs of vulnerable populations.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.