Province cancels proposed downtown Vancouver overdose prevention site

The B.C. government has decided not to open a proposed overdose prevention site at 900 Helmcken St. in downtown Vancouver.

Health Minister Ravi Kahlon told Mayor Ken Sim and council that he had instructed Vancouver Coastal Health to stand down on the project. Its opening had already been paused indefinitely in May after feedback from the city, businesses and community partners.

The site was intended to replace a similar Howe Street facility that closed Jan. 31. Kahlon said the area continues to experience elevated rates of fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings and needs additional supports addressing those harms and public drug use.

Kahlon said the decision was made with Vancouver Coastal Health and after considering feedback gathered by Vancouver-Yaletown MLA Terry Yung from local businesses. He said he wants to work with the city and other partners on services for people who use unregulated substances.

Sim, who has opposed the project, welcomed the decision and reiterated his preference for more secure treatment and involuntary-care beds. He plans to seek public input through questions on the Oct. 17 municipal-election ballot; Kahlon and Premier David Eby have questioned whether a plebiscite is necessary.