Orillia set to install more sharps containers for safe needle disposal
After significant safety concerns, Orillia residents will soon see more sharps disposal containers at busy parks and buildings.
Orillia City Council has approved 15 sharps disposal containers to be placed at various locations throughout the city, bringing the overall total from seven to 22.
"Safety is a major concern, and so we want to make sure whatever container we use is going to be safe. Some of the major locations are here, as well as City Hall, the Recreation Centre, Rotary Place. We're also going to have several at the waterfront centre, Couchiching Beach Park and Tudhope Park. So, some of the heavily travelled areas," said Jay Fallis, City Councillor.
Since 2019, the city has reported more than 240 needles, syringes and other sharps around the community, and officials said that number is on the rise.
"In the last two years, the number has gone up dramatically. Last year we had 94 found reported by staff, and this year already, we've found 76 reported by staff, and we think that number is going to be much higher than it was last year," said Fallis.
Officials with the Chamber of Commerce in Orillia said although having a place to discard needles is much needed, there needs to be a solution.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce passed a policy resolution to have more detox centres available.
"We've also had methadone clinics. We do a number of naloxones to temporarily help but weren't not having effective solutions," said Allan Lafontaine, Orillia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "We have to start thinking holistically of caring for people. Obviously, in the downtown core, there's a congregation. The risk is that the public doesn't feel that it's a safe space and stay away, so we're harming everybody in the process."
Lafontaine said the detox centres should be located in a remote setting rather than in the city.
"Urban settings create problems with people suffering mental illness plus drug use. They're just having too much access to the drugs. A lot of cases and shelters, when the people are safe overnight, they're left off in the streets, the drug dealers are waiting outside to give them drugs," he said.
As for the disposal containers, it has yet to be decided when the installation will begin.
Council approved $8,100 for the purchase and installation of the containers, and the operating costs will be roughly $4,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028417.1725654228!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Ontario's first domestic case of human rabies since 1967 confirmed in Brant County
A Brant County resident is in hospital after they tested positive for rabies.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
She met a man on a rooftop bar on her first night in Paris. Her life changed forever
To Erin Tridle, it felt as though the universe paved the way for her to meet the love of her life years before their actual meeting.
Canadian tied to alleged Russian influencer op received thousands in fees: U.S.
YouTube says the channels of a far-right Canadian influencer have been removed after U.S. officials alleged the company she co-founded received US$760,000 in fees and commissions as part of an alleged Russian ploy to dupe right-wing influencers into sowing division among Americans.