If you have concerns about a proposed safe consumption site in downtown Windsor, you can participate in an upcoming online town hall session.
There are four sessions next week. They feature an expert panel with representatives from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the Windsor Police Service. Windsor City Councillor Rino Borton, a harm reduction expert, a person with lived experience using substances, and physicians will take part too.
Those who want to take part need to register online.
The four dates are on Tuesday, August 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 4 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday, August 6 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
There are two possible sites. One is on Wyandotte Street East near Ouellette Avenue, and the other is a block away on Goyeau Street between Wyandotte Street East and Tuscarora Street.
The health unit conducted a community survey on the sites throughout June.
The safe consumption site is just one part of an overall system to prevent the harms caused by substance abuse. They will employ trained staff to respond to negative reactions and overdoses. They will also provide clients with sterile equipment and refer them to social services in the community like housing, income supports, and treatment.