Results of supervised consumption site review to be released

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Where do we go now? That is the question surrounding supervised consumption sites in Alberta as the UCP government is set to release its report.

The government-appointed an eight-member panel to hear from different groups about the sites, studying how they affect communities with a focus on crime and safety.

Since 2017, more than 100,000 people have visited the supervised consumption site at the Sheldon Chumir Centre in downtown Calgary.

That is the only site in the city and those who live and work in the Beltline have raised concerns over increased crime as Calgary police reported a 40 per cent spike from the three-year average.

RELATED: Crime continues to climb outside Sheldon Chumir: report 

There’s been a long debate on the pros and cons of the sites, with Premier Jason Kenney giving his opinion in January.

“They’re just illegal drug sites that do all sorts of drugs, not just injectables.”

Kenney has also referred to consumption sites as “NDP drug sites” adding the UCP is committing millions in funding over the next three years for abstinence-based treatment.

More and more data confirms that the NDP drug sites have hit local communities with an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.

We can’t ignore the social and economic impact.https://t.co/Rn2rmoI6eZ

— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) January 22, 2020

While fears over possible closures of the sites continue to surface Kenney said that’s not the government’s plan right now.

“It’s never been our intention to shut all of the sites but we’re taking a very close look based on the data.”

Funding for the facilities is set to end on March 31 with many advocates calling for costs to be maintained and the sites to stay where they are.

“We need wraparound support (and) supervised consumptions are part of that support,” said one advocate for the sites. “Moving existing supervised consumption sites will cause more Albertans to die.”

Last week, a rally was held in Calgary to support consumption sites arguing they save lives as nurses and paramedics are on-scene at the locations to educate those who use them.

WATCH: Advocates rally for safe consumption sites

The site at the Sheldon Chumir said it reversed nine overdoses in January and distributed close to 200 overdose response kits.

The results of the panel will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Thursday morning.