City to advocate for closure of Overdose Prevention Site, direct funds to support programs

AHS said at the time that the OPS would only be there on a “temporary basis” until a longer-term solution could be worked out and other wrap-around facilities and supports were implemented.

Now, more than five years later, Hyggen says the OPS has served its purpose.

Lethbridge had the highest rate of fatal overdoses among Alberta’s cities in 2023, but is now among the lowest. The number of these incidents has fallen by 80 per cent over the last year, and by 92 per cent compared to two years ago.

A spokesperson from Alberta’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions recently told LNN that a large part of the reason that fatal overdose numbers have been falling is due to their continued investments into supports and services that make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

These include the opening of the Lethbridge Recovery Community, which has 50 beds and aims to help people address substance use, improve their overall health, and build skills to support long-term recovery.

“Provincial funding also supports a variety of medical detox, treatment and recovery options in the area, including through Recovery Alberta, Fresh Start, Southern Alcare Manor and McMan Youth, Family and Community Association. Treatment is free for all Albertans,” says the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. “In addition, a transitional living unit is operating within the Lethbridge Correctional Centre that provides the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to undergo comprehensive and holistic addiction treatment.”

The City of Lethbridge launched its Encampment Strategy in 2023, which aims to point people who are unhoused to the services that might help them.

The Strategy has resulted in the number of people being referred to outreach programs more than tripling, while also seeing an overall reduction in calls to police, fire and EMS of more than 10 per cent.

Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development with the City of Lethbridge, says the combination of new programs and services in recovery care, housing supports and prevention has allowed them to “get ahead of the trend” and reduce crime, overdoses and social disorder.

@lethbridgenewsnow City of Lethbridge asks for closure of Overdose Prevention Site & divert funds to support programs. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #Alberta #News ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now

One hurdle that the City of Lethbridge will soon face, however, is the end of federal funding for the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF program) in March 2026.

Since 2023, the BSCF program has allowed the City and Lethbridge Police Service to develop targeted prevention and intervention strategies for high-risk youth.

Malcolm says there has been an increase in the number of youths who are facing “complex challenges.”

He describes some of the stories he has heard from youths who have entered the BSCF program as “alarming.”

Some, as young as 12 years old, are addicted to substances and have “solicited themselves” to feed their addiction. Others have shown aggression, violence, racism, online radicalization, and viewing crime as a valid path through life.

The BSCF program uses early prevention and intervention to help them, and Malcolm describes it as a good program with good success.

He says it has been known from the start that funding for the BSCF program would be ending in March 2026, and they have already begun to transition parts of the initiative to other service providers. However, without a renewal in funding, Malcolm worries that some of these young residents will be left behind.

That is why the second part of Hyggen’s motion to council asks the Alberta Government to redirect funding from the OPS to a range of support programs.

Currently, the province spends $3.8 million every year operating the OPS. The BSCF program costs around $650,000 annually.

City Council will advocate for the continuation of the BSCF program, the continuation and enhancement of funding for overdose-related programming at the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit, and additional support for the City of Lethbridge’s programs to further connect vulnerable populations with programs related to safety and well-being.

The motion was approved in a 7-2 vote, with only councillors Al Beeber and Belinda Crowson in opposition.

Beeber said the closure of the OPS is a “complicated issue” that could have repercussions for vulnerable populations.

He cites research that shows that a safe supply of syringes has resulted in a reduction of HIV transmission by nearly 50 per cent.

Hyggen replied by saying that he has discussed the potential closure of the OPS with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Rick Wilson. According to Hyggen, Wilson has indicated that the province would ensure that adequate supports are in place before any closure happens.

A spokesperson from Wilson’s office told LNN in a statement that they have received the letter from Lethbridge City Council.

“While no decisions have been made at this time, the Ministry has always been committed to listening and working with municipal officials if they request the closure of a supervised drug consumption site in their community,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

Provincial officials say they are reviewing the city’s request and determining the next steps.

by David Opinko

City to advocate for closure of Overdose Prevention Site, direct funds to support programs

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