B.C. government cancels Vancouver overdose prevention site

The provincial government has cancelled an overdose prevention site in Vancouver.

Three months ago, the government announced the site at 900 Helmcken St. in Vancouver, prompting backlash from residents, businesses, and the City of Vancouver .

“Community voices matter,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim posted on X on Monday.

“Today, Health Minister Ravi Kahlon called me personally to confirm that the proposed 900 Helmcken drug injection site will not move forward.

“Thank you to the residents, businesses and community members who stood together, made their voices heard, and advocated for public safety and better, more compassionate care for our most vulnerable.

Today, Health Minister Ravi Kahlon called me personally to confirm that the proposed 900 Helmcken drug injection site will not move forward.

Thank you to the residents, businesses and community members who stood together, made their voices heard, and… pic.twitter.com/nOcyrey1lD

Kahlon told Global News that the province still needs a commitment from the city to meet the needs of that population.

“We’re not moving forward with the ops site at that location, but we need a commitment to work with the city and all partners in Vancouver to ensure that the most vulnerable people have the supports that they need so we don’t have overdoses in front of our businesses in our communities and that’s a commitment the mayor shared with me,” Kahlon said.

In October, Vancouver voters will head to the polls and answer a plebiscite to ask about strengthening city laws on open-air drug use and if the old St. Paul’s Hospital or another site should provide more involuntary care beds.

“I think it will send a really strong message to every future city council and whoever is in Victoria,” Sim told Global News.

The Helmcken Street site was leased for two years for $179,000. The province says it will consider the location for alternative uses.