The location in downtown Windsor that had been serving as a safe injection site will remain closed.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it had been told by the provincial government that its application to operate SafePoint, the downtown Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site, was turned down.
"We received a formal letter from the Ministry of Health which confirmed [Tuesday]’s provincial announcement regarding existing and pending Consumption and Treatment Services sites," said Health Unit CEO Dr. Ken Blanchette in a statement. "Specifically, the letter indicated that the application from our agency had been declined."
SafePoint had been allowed to open in the spring of 2023 with federal funding, on top of what the health unit's budget allowed. After Windsor City Council approved a plan to open SafePoint at the current location on Wyandotte Street East and Goyeau, a committee was set up to find the CTS site a permanent location.
The health unit's announcement came a day after Queens Park implemented new guidelines for CTS sites, which included not having them within 200 metres of a school or daycare centre. Premier Doug Ford said the reason was to address concerns about public safety.
Ford had ordered a review of all CTS applications after someone was fatally shot outside a facility in Toronto last year. SafePoint has been closed since January 1.
Blanchette added that SafePoint made a mark on the community in the short time it was open.
"The site received over 1200 visits from 249 individuals and saved five lives through reversals of overdoses on site," said Blanchette. "In addition, the site provided first aid, primary care services, drug testing, social services, and made 237 referrals for mental health and addictions treatment. The site's true impact, however, can best be described through the stories shared by those who accessed services, such as those who were able to reconnect with family or obtain employment and housing as a result of the support they received at SafePoint."
The provincial government announced on Tuesday that it will use $378-million to create addiction and recovery hubs across the province.
The City of Windsor had selected a parcel of land on Wellington Avenue to build a permanent Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4). Mayor Drew Dilkens had stated the City will apply for the new provincial funding to help support the new H4 Hub.