The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has pulled the plug on its occupation of a former Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in downtown Windsor.
Health Unit CEO Dr. Ken Blanchette confirmed on Friday afternoon that the unit had terminated its tenancy agreement for 101 Wyandotte Street East, which formerly housed the SafePoint CTS site.
"Direction provided by the [Ontario] Ministry of Health has been clear that the use of this space for its intended purpose will no longer be possible with the introduction of new systems and supports for those struggling with addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues," said Blanchette.
SafePoint had been closed since January 1, after Premier Doug Ford had ordered a review of CTS applications following a fatal shooting last year outside a Toronto facility.
In August, Queens Park implemented new guidelines for CTS sites, which included not having them within 200 metres of a school or daycare centre. Ford said the reason was to address concerns about public safety.
The focus will now be creating an application for Windsor to receive a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. Blanchette said it's time to move forward.
"The WECHU has engaged with partners regarding this decision and is actively involved in the planning processes related to the local HART Hub application," said Blanchette. "We continue in our commitment to enhancing harm reduction programs and supporting people in our community who use substances."