This long-anticipated funding, which amounts to $1,357,100 annually from the province, is the culmination of a lengthy approval process that has involved the efforts of several local agencies.
“Fortunately, we’re six months ahead of schedule thanks to the community’s generous contributions during the Light The Way campaign this past autumn,” said Fourcast Executive Director, Donna Rogers.
The Light The Way Campaign raised more than $160k and allowed for renovations to prepare the site at 220 Simcoe St.
“It’s important to recognize that, while it has been a long road to get us to this point, we still have to make upgrades to the space to adhere to the guidelines detailed in the federal exemption and by the Ministry of Health,” she said.
“The aim is to provide a full scope of wraparound services and supports, including referrals to relevant community services,” said Jessica Penner, Coordinator with the Peterborough Drug Strategy (PDS). “The pandemic has highlighted how devastating the drug poisoning crisis has been for our community, so we’re eager to provide a service that will enhance safety, connection, and access to lifesaving supports.”
As renovations to the CTS are completed, Rogers points out that a Safe Supply program is now launching through the Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic.
“Now that we can move ahead with the CTS, we look forward to providing support and serving our community as best we can while bringing the facility up to federal and provincial standards,” said Rogers, who clarifies that Consumption and Treatment Service Sites do not provide drugs.
Consumption and Treatment Service sites offer a safe, sterile environment overseen by trained staff and health professionals. Within these inclusive and accessible facilities, staff conduct drug testing for fentanyl and other drugs while equipping service users with harm reduction supplies.
