Edmonton community divided over new supervised consumption site

One of Edmonton’s most popular communities is divided.

City council recently approved the development of a new supervised consumption site in the Ritchie neighbourhood along Whyte Avenue. That decision has residents split.

Some say the health hub would address localized disorders.

“People are going to die in our neighbourhood unless we have these types of interventions,” said Avish Nanda, president of the Richie Community League.

“We see EMS and fire departments called frequently here. We’ve seen people who have died. This affects every community, but there’s a particular need in this community for these types of services.”

Others say allowing drug use in the community would only amplify disorder and risks to safety, and want the hub in a less populated area.

Businesses propped up signs in their windows that say just that.

“We don’t want to see another Chinatown in Ritchie and Old Strathcona. It would be devastating,” said Rob Bligh, a concerned resident.

“There is no perfect location. We just think that in the end, we’re all for helping to solve this addiction crisis. But you should not destroy vibrant neighbourhoods in doing so.”

Location for a new supervised consumption site in West Ritchie. (Elliott Knopp, CityNews)

The Mustard Seed homeless shelter is just a few doors down. This fact is stirring debate as to whether the two services could improve the effectiveness of both programs, or as some hear fear, make things worse.

“I made a conscious decision about five years ago to not only live in West Ritchie but to have my business in West Ritchie. This neighbourhood, this area of Ritchie is my life, and I have no concerns with this health hub moving in,” said Nanda.

But there is uncertainty surrounding the project, at least for now.

The status of the development permit currently depends on an appeal. The permit is suspended while the appeal is being heard.

The city says pending a decision, the earliest the permit could theoretically be reinstated is May, and that’s without further appeals.