The first public information session on proposed supervised consumption sites in Victoria saw a lot of positive feedback at Centennial United Church on Tuesday.
Information posters and a comment board were set up around the room offering people an opportunity to learn more and offer input.
“To have some support especially in this community by trained nurses and physicians, to have a facility designed for this kind of use is going to save a lot of lives,” said Don McTavish with the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
A mother who lost a child to a fentanyl overdose in May said her son didn’t get the help he needed.
“I feel that people that struggle with addiction like my son are deserving of the same health supports as anybody else in our community,” Jennifer Howard said.
Staff at Island Health say they hope the meetings will provide input on the operational details, rather than on the suggested locations.
“What we want to know is what will make this best,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer. “We improve the community by taking injections off of the street providing the people the service, but still helping this community get better by addressing this issue.”
The three proposed locations are Rock Bay on Bridge Street, on Pandora near Our Place and the third option is on Johnson Street.
The second information session will be held at Victoria City Hall on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
You can also weigh in online at www.viha.com.
