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Ontario Closes Nine Supervised Drug Consumption Sites Despite Court Injunction

The provincial government transitions the sites into abstinence-focused recovery hubs, while a constitutional challenge and public health concerns persist.

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Supporters and harm reduction workers protest outside of the Ontario legislature in Toronto on Monday, October 21, 2024, as groups gather to protest against the Ontario government's proposal to close consumption treatment sites.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Overview

  • Nine supervised drug consumption sites in Ontario have been closed and transitioned into addiction recovery hubs, as confirmed by the provincial government on March 31, 2025.
  • A court injunction allowed the sites to remain open temporarily during a constitutional review, but the government proceeded with closures regardless.
  • The closures are part of Ontario's $550 million investment in 28 recovery hubs and 540 supportive housing units, emphasizing abstinence-based recovery over harm reduction.
  • A tenth site in downtown Toronto remains operational under the court injunction, pending the outcome of the constitutional challenge.
  • Critics, including public health advocates, warn the closures could lead to increased overdose deaths and argue the policy violates constitutional rights.