Toronto’s Moss Park site will stay open temporarily, easing concerns for users amid ongoing challenges in the opioid crisis
Toronto: Users of the Moss Park safe consumption site are breathing a sigh of relief. The site won’t close just yet, thanks to a lease extension. But let’s be real, it’s only a temporary fix.
The Moss Park Consumption and Treatment Service will keep its doors open month-to-month. The building’s owner hasn’t given a timeline for when they might need to vacate. This is a small win for many who rely on the site, especially those experiencing homelessness.
With five other similar centers in Toronto set to close soon, this extension feels like a lifeline. The provincial government has made some tough calls, banning sites too close to schools and daycares, which has many worried about the future.
James Desmond, a regular at Moss Park, expressed his mixed feelings. “I’m ecstatic right now,” he said, but he knows this relief won’t last forever. The property owner, Dash Developments, has plans for a new condo, but they’re not rushing things due to the current housing market.
Meanwhile, the province is shifting its approach to the opioid crisis, moving away from harm reduction. They’re launching new treatment hubs, but many fear this will lead to more overdoses and emergency calls.
Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, Toronto’s medical officer of health, has voiced concerns about the impact of closing these sites. The government, however, is sticking to its guns, citing safety issues as a reason for the changes.
Tragically, a recent shooting near one of the sites has heightened these concerns. The community is feeling the strain, and many users are anxious about what’s next.
Desmond, who has been living on the streets for years, feels a sense of belonging at Moss Park. “It feels like we’re being exterminated,” he said, reflecting the fears of many in the community.
Despite the uncertainty, the site offers a range of services, from health care to food. It’s a place where people can feel safe and supported, even if just for a little while.
As the community grapples with these changes, many users are worried about what will happen when the site eventually closes. They know that without these services, they’ll be left to fend for themselves.
Mike Graham, another regular, worries about public perception. “People are going to use whether these sites are here or not,” he said, highlighting the ongoing struggle many face.
Sarah Greig, the director at Moss Park, is doing her best to prepare her clients for the future. She’s working on treatment plans and helping them set goals, but the uncertainty looms large.
“There’s a bit of relief in the short term, but there’s still a big sense of precarity,” she said, capturing the mixed emotions of everyone involved.
