Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is turning to the provincial government for a decision on the future of a supervised consumption site in the city.
The mayor’s request comes after the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled that the province has the authority to make the final decision on whether or not to approve the site.
In a statement released on Monday, Nenshi expressed his disappointment with the court’s decision, stating that it “undermines the city’s ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community.”
The supervised consumption site, which has been operating as a temporary facility since 2017, has faced opposition from some community members who argue that it has led to increased crime and disorder in the area.
However, supporters of the site argue that it provides a safe and supervised space for individuals struggling with addiction to consume drugs, reducing the risk of overdose and connecting them with support services.
Nenshi emphasized that the city has followed all necessary processes and consulted with community members before approving the site, and that the decision should ultimately be left to the local government.
He also noted that the supervised consumption site has been successful in saving lives and reducing the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.
The mayor’s request for the province to make a decision on the site’s future comes as the city continues to grapple with a rise in opioid-related deaths. According to Alberta Health, there were 904 opioid-related deaths in the province in 2020, with 241 of those occurring in Calgary.
Nenshi urged the provincial government to consider the evidence and the impact of the supervised consumption site on the community before making a decision.
In response to the mayor’s statement, the provincial government stated that they are reviewing the court’s decision and will provide an update in the near future.
The fate of the supervised consumption site now rests in the hands of the provincial government, as the city and its residents await a final decision.
