City seeks input on proposed consumption and treatment services sites

The City of Cambridge wants residents to voice their concerns about two proposed locations for Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at 15 Easton St. and 8 Oxford St.

These are sites that allow people who are struggling with addiction issues to use drugs in a medically supervised health facility that is sterile and safe.

It also enables them to access treatment and support services, as well as to receive immediate medical assistance in case of a drug overdose.

Residents will be able to share their thoughts on the proposal individually through an online survey on Engage Cambridge or together with a small group using the Kitchen Table Discussion Guide. 

In a press release, the city says this input will play a vital role in understanding community considerations for a potential CTS location in Cambridge.

Near neighbors of both potential candidate sites will be sent direct mail correspondence. Service providers and potential CTS clients will also be contacted to provide feedback on the candidate sites.

CTS services are part of a broader integrated drug strategy and response under Public Health’s mandate. The purpose of CTS sites are not only to address urgent overdose prevention needs but to also serve as a pathway to access long-term supportive services and treatment.

On June 19, 2019, Cambridge council passed a resolution in support of identifying candidate CTS sites with wrap around services, outside of the city's core areas.

A suitable location for CTS also had to be in an area of need as per the requirements of the provincial Consumption and Treatment Services Program.

“We know that there have been strong feelings in the community regarding harm reductions programs, on both sides of the issue,” said City Clerk Danielle Manton in the press release.

“And I want to remind the community that no decisions have been made in terms of proceeding with either of these sites, or any sites, within Cambridge. At the current time, we’re hoping to gain valuable insights from the community on the suitability of two potential candidate sites  to inform next steps.”

Residents can participate in the selection process by completing the survey at www.engagecambridge.ca by July 30. More information and site maps can be found on this page.

Residents can also complete the Kitchen Table Guide with several family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues (in compliance with Covid 19 restrictions) by July 30. 

Download the guide at www.cambridge.ca/cts or pick up a hard copy at the Clerk’s kiosk at City Hall.

Residents requiring any accessibility accommodations to participate in this engagement are asked to contact the Clerk’s Division at [email protected] or call 519-623-1340.

Public feedback will be collected until Friday, July 30.

All input will be reviewed by staff and developed into a report to be considered by council this fall.

Regardless of the outcome, a potential health provider will still need to apply to oversee the operations of the site and follow all regional, provincial and federal requirements.