Advocates will rally as Calgary council considers safe consumption site closure

The city council is set to debate Tuesday whether to request the province to close the supervised drug consumption site at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, with some Calgarians planning a protest against the proposal.

Councillor Dan McLean has introduced a Notice of Motion urging the council to advocate for the site's closure to align with Alberta's Recovery Model, which emphasizes a recovery-focused approach.

McLean is calling for the government to boost funding for prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

McLean, along with some local residents, argues that the site contributes to crime and disorder. His motion cites Calgary Police Service data showing the Beltline area, home to the Chumir site, has the highest crime rate in the city.

Following the site's 2018 opening, drug-related police calls reportedly surged by 276 percent, with a 29 percent increase in total calls for service compared to the three-year average.

The Safeworks Supervised Consumption Site offers a safe, hygienic environment for monitored drug use, reducing harm and connecting users to recovery-oriented services, including substance use treatment, mental health care, and housing support.

The site also provides sterile supplies, naloxone training, and harm reduction education.

Advocates highlight that the site, located at 12 Avenue and 4 Street SW, has reversed nearly 60,000 overdoses since becoming a permanent service in 2018.

A protest is planned outside city hall before Tuesday’s meeting, with the issue scheduled for further discussion at the Oct. 29 council meeting.