ONTARIO-The province announced it is ending provincial funding for the seven active drug injection sites that exist in communities that are supported by an existing Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
To date, the province has invested almost $550 million to support 28 HART Hubs across Ontario. Officials say this latest step furthers the government’s plan to fund treatment and lasting recovery from addiction, rather than continued public funding of drug injection sites.
“Our government is focused on treatment, recovery and safer communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through our almost $550 million investment to establish HART Hubs across the province, we are ensuring people struggling with addiction can access the care and supports they need to break the tragic cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives while protecting Ontario communities.”
To begin the process, the province will initiate a 90-day wind-down period, 60 days more than is required, in order to give clients time to transition to the support provided by their local HART Hub. The seven sites which will no longer receive funding include two sites in Toronto, two sites in Ottawa and one site each in Niagara, Peterborough and London. During this period the government says it will work directly with the municipalities and community partners to ensure a safe, coordinated wind-down of provincial funding for the drug injection sites and successful transition into the new model of recovery.
This action builds on legislation passed in 2024 that prohibits injection sites from operating within 200 metres of schools, and child-care centres. To date, HART Hubs have delivered care through more than 100,000 client interactions. Hundreds of individuals have also accessed supportive housing and recovery-focused services according to the government.
