Ottawa Closes Clarence Street Supervised Consumption Service

The supervised consumption service located at 179 Clarence Street in Ottawa has officially closed. This decision follows the lack of endorsement from the Ontario Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, which was necessary for the program to continue operating after its federal exemption expired on September 30, 2023. The closure impacts one of the last remaining facilities of its kind in the city, leaving only two active supervised consumption services in Ottawa.

According to Ottawa Public Health (OPH), the site required a renewal of its exemption from Health Canada to continue its operations under the new Community Care and Recovery Act. The absence of this renewal has raised significant concerns within the community regarding the potential increase in overdose risks among vulnerable populations.

Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa’s medical officer of health, expressed disappointment in a memo to city council, highlighting the critical role supervised consumption services play in harm reduction. “Harm reduction services save lives, reduce the spread of blood-borne infections, and provide safer spaces that help reduce public drug use,” he stated.

Since opening in 2017, the Clarence Street site has recorded nearly 33,000 visits. In 2024 alone, it facilitated 3,546 visits and responded to 27 non-fatal overdoses, effectively reducing risks associated with substance use. The facility also made over 2,000 referrals to various support services, including mental health care and housing assistance.

The closure of the Clarence Street site follows the earlier shutdown of the supervised injection site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre earlier this year, which was ordered to close due to its proximity to schools. In contrast, the remaining supervised consumption services at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and The Trailer 2.0 at the Shepherds of Good Hope will continue to operate.

Despite this closure, OPH has assured the public that harm reduction services will persist at 179 Clarence Street, which include supply distribution, naloxone training, and referrals for testing and treatment of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Additionally, OPH’s mobile harm reduction van will remain active, operating seven days a week from 17:00 to 23:30.

No staff layoffs will occur as a result of the closure, as resources are being reallocated to ensure continued support for those in need. Dr. Arnason emphasized OPH’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Ottawa residents, stating, “We will continue engaging with individuals in need, building trust, and facilitating access to services to achieve long-term well-being.”

As the city grapples with the implications of this closure, the community remains focused on the importance of harm reduction and the necessity of providing safe spaces for individuals struggling with substance use.