Latest News
On February 14, VCH issued a statement that a stand-alone supervised consumption site is “not the most appropriate service for those at risk of overdose in Richmond”. As a result, the Richmond City Council will continue to work with VCH to identify appropriate solutions for Richmond.
Photo by Jaana Björk
No stand-alone supervised consumption site in Richmond
Published 11:26 PST, Tue February 20, 2024
Last Updated: 11:43 PST, Tue February 20, 2024
-
Richmond will not have a stand-alone supervised consumption site following confirmation from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) that such a site is not the most appropriate service for those at risk of an overdose in the city.
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Richmond City Council voted to proceed with a study of the feasibility of creating a supervised consumption site in Richmond. The motion recognized that any such site would require support from VCH.
As the local health agency, VCH is responsible for an application to Health Canada for an exemption under Section 56.1 of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. Council and the City of Richmond cannot open or operate a supervised consumption site. Only VCH or an agency approved by Health Canada can do so.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, VCH issued a statement that a stand-alone supervised consumption site “is not the most appropriate service for those at risk of overdose in Richmond”. As a result, it will not be moving forward with a stand-alone supervised consumption site in the city.
VCH stated that stand-alone sites work best in communities where there is a significant concentration of people at-risk and, based on public health data, will continue working with the City of Richmond to assess how it can strengthen overdose prevention services and keep people in the local community safe.
Supervised consumption sites provide a safe location for individuals with an addiction to administer their own drugs under the supervision of a qualified health professional. They do not hand out drugs to users and do not encourage drug use. They provide important access to addiction treatment and recovery services operated by VCH and other health partners.
Council remains committed to ensuring services are in place to support residents living with an addiction as well as recreational drug users. The city respects VCH’s position as the lead health agency and will work with them to identify appropriate solutions for Richmond, despite confirming there will be no stand-alone supervised consumption site.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
