If all goes according to plan, Windsor's new supervised injection site will open next fall.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Board of Directors got an update on the project at its meeting on Thursday.
So far, the process has gone through two public consultations. A community survey was offered during the first. The majority of respondents were open to having an SIS in the downtown core and that it would be beneficial to the community.
Location was discussed during the second public consultation. Out of the two considered, Goyeau Street off Wyandotte Street East was chosen.
"We do have access to the upper and lower units, and it does have an outdoor space which was a criterion we were looking at," said WECHU Health Promotion Director Eric Nadalin. "It would be a lease agreement."
The planned site on Goyeau is currently occupied by a used furniture business.
The actual creation of the SIS is dependent on approval by both Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health. The endorsement of Windsor City Council is needed to complete the SIS applications to both bodies, and councillors are scheduled to hear more at the December 20 meeting.
Under the operational plan discussed Thursday afternoon, the health unit is responsible for securing the location and submitting the applications. The day-to-day operation of the SIS would be in the hands of the Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre. Pozitive Pathways, formerly the AIDS Committee of Windsor, would be charged with the safe handling of needles.
The full report on the SIS community consultations can be found on the health unit's official website.
