Protestors push for province to approve safe consumption site in Barrie
Protestors held a 'Four Points Rally' Thursday morning in Barrie in front of local MPP offices and at City Hall, urging the province to immediately approve Barrie's proposed consumption and treatment service (CTS) site, and to fund additional CTS sites.
"We gather to hold our elected leaders accountable for their inaction," stated Christine Nayler of Ryan's Hope, an organization she co-founded with her husband to honour their son who died of toxic drug use.
According to the Simcoe County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), more than 250 people from Barrie died from overdoses and toxic drugs between 2018 and 2022.
"CTS sites have been proven to save lives," said Ashleigh Pineau, a Ryan's Hope advocate. "We know that we can't treat this problem like it's a criminal issue. It's not. It's a health crisis."
Thursday morning's rally began in front of MPP Andrea Khanjin's office, then made its way to MPP Doug Downey's office and Barrie City Hall, before ending at Barrie's proposed CTS site on Innisfil Street.
"People need to understand that this is a disease. It is not a choice," said Jessica Potvin, a local nurse practitioner. "They're suffering from mental health and there are many barriers in the health care system."
The CMHA says the CTS site in Barrie has been pending approval for more than two years.
"We need to have these types of services so that people can come in and be assessed by professional teams," said Valerie Grdisa, the CEO of CMHA Simcoe County. "And get the right services and supports."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
In a statement to CTV News, the Ontario Ministry of Health responded by highlighting its investment of $396 million over three years for mental health and addictions services, including $124 million to support the Addictions Recovery Fund.
However, later in the statement, the ministry referenced the tragic incident in July at the Riverdale CTS site, stating that all 17 provincial CTS sites remain under review, and that all applications will remain 'on pause' during the review process.
Nayler responded by saying the fight is 'not over'.
For now, the proposed CTS site on Innisfil Street remains vacant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Ukraine's army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure
Ukraine's troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country's army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.