Neighbourhood group says ‘no’ to proposed overdose prevention site

An overdose prevention site could be opening in the Strathcona neighbourhood this spring if a permit is granted.

Those who live and work in the neighbourhood say it’s not right for the area, while the social service looking to open it says it saves lives.

“I’m not an expert, but I can’t imagine making it easier to consume leads to a reduction in consumption,” said Rob Bligh, with Scona concerned citizens.

Bligh works just steps away from where Boyle Street Community Services is hoping to open an overdose prevention site. It’s the second time Boyle Street is attempting a permit for the site — the first time was denied over accessibility issues which Boyle Street officials say have been addressed.

Bligh says tells CityNews he wants to help Edmonton’s vulnerable community but doesn’t believe providing a space to use drugs is the answer. Adding it’s not a good fit for the community.

“There are thousands of people who live in the area, condominiums around here, and the houses, there’s many many businesess and employees. And it’s unavoidable. We’ve seen it in Edmonton the attacks by people that are consumed by drugs,” said Bligh.

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But those looking to open the site say the neighborhood already suffers from abundant public drug abuse.

There’s already drug paraphernalia being left behind, where people can find it easily. So having a service like this will help clean up the area,” said Jonathan Harline, communications lead with Boyle Street Community Services.

“When they’re there, they can get in contact with people who are trained to help them get on their feet, get them into the workforce if that’s their goal, get them into housing.”

The city’s appeal board will hear the case at the end of the month.