Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement on the proposed overdose-prevention site in Vancouver:

“Vancouver continues to experience the highest rates of unregulated drug deaths in B.C. During this public health emergency, it is critical that people at risk of overdose have access to timely supports and services that save lives and help prevent serious harms, including brain injury.

“Vancouver Coastal Health is working to establish overdose-prevention services in Vancouver’s downtown core and recognizes the importance of ensuring these services support both vulnerable people in need of care and the businesses, residents and workers in surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Since intentions were announced to open a new overdose-prevention site on 900 Helmcken St., I, along with my colleague, Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, and MLA for Vancouver-Yaletown, have heard concerns from the city, local businesses and community partners. We, along with the Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, are committed to taking steps to fully engage with stakeholders and community ahead of any new site opening. Vancouver Coastal Health will not proceed with the overdose-prevention site at 900 Helmcken St. at this time, and there is currently no planned date for opening.

“The Province is committed to working collaboratively with the City of Vancouver, local businesses and community partners to ensure people can access life-saving services, while addressing concerns raised by the community and supporting safe, healthy neighbourhoods for everyone. The mobile overdose-prevention site will continue to operate to provide a limited number of services in the area.”