On June 19, 2019, Cambridge Council passed a resolution in support of proceeding with the identification of candidate sites for Consumption and Treatment Services with wrap around services in Cambridge, outside of the core areas; and in an area of need as per the requirements of the provincial Consumption and Treatment Services Program.

As well, Council directed the development of a community consultation approach be developed in consultation with the Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee. This work is being supported by a professional facilitator to assist with the design and implementation of the community consultation process.

Planning Study

An interim control bylaw was put in place in order to complete a planning study to review zoning regulations for potential consumption and treatment sites in Cambridge. After the completion of the study, Council decided that the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site will be permitted anywhere as public use if operated by a government body or any public health care agency. In order to receive provincial funding, City Council must endorse the site before a site can be established. Read the report. 

There have been changes in provincial and federal oversight since this process originally started. CTS sites are now highly regulated by both the federal and provincial governments in terms of site location, community engagement, mandatory wrap- around services, security, and monthly data reporting. They are approved in communities where there has been a demonstrated need. 

Find more information on the planning study process.

Site Selection

A cross-departmental staff project team reviewed 27 sites potential sites. Two potential sites most closely meet the provincial and federal criteria, as well as criteria from the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s feasibility study. Public Health, who initiated the CTS process due to the impact of the opioid crisis in the Waterloo Region, has been consulted and continues to work with the team.  An interim site in Kitchener opened in October 2019 and became permanent in October 2020.

CTS services are part of a broader integrated drug strategy and response under Public Health’s mandate. A site will not only address urgent prevention overdose needs but will also serve as a pathway to access long-term supportive services and treatment.

Council Approval

On April 6, 2021 Cambridge City Council voted to move forward with a community consultation framework to gather public feedback on two potential candidate sites for a future Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS).  The agenda and report can be found here.

Engagement Opportunities

Over the next several months, the Community Consultation Plan will encourage the exchange of views and perspectives on the candidate sites through a variety of engagement options for the general public, near neighbours, service providers and potential CTS clients to provide input.

 General Public

 Information needs

  • Purpose of the consultation
  • How sites were identified
  • Details on what a CTS site is
  • Information about the sites under consideration
  • Examples for types of services that could be provided at a site and how a site would function

Consultation Activities

  • Online Survey

  • Kitchen Table Guide/Feedback Forms (downloadable from City website) for neighbourhood associations, community groups and other stakeholders. 
 Near Neighbours

 Information Needs

  • Information about the site nearby under consideration
  • Examples of how a site would function, services that may    be provided, potential hours of operation
  • How clients access site - transportation considerations
  • What supports/ resources will be available within the community
  • Consideration for how concerns could be addressed

Consultation Activities

  • Postcard by direct mail with contact info for setting up telephone interview or virtual meeting.
  • Kitchen Table Guide/Feedback Forms
  • Telephone interview and, or virtual meetings.
 Service Providers

Information Needs

  • Location, size, proximity to other services, space needs
  • Potential client profile
  • Expectations of partnership and services that could be provided
  • Site logistics including hours of operation
  • How clients access site - transportation considerations

Consultation Activities

  • Interviews (telephone/virtual)
  • Individual and Small Group Meetings (virtual)
  • Kitchen Table Guide/Feedback Form
 Potential CTS clients

Information Needs 

  • Services and treatment availability
  • How site would function and logistics
  • How to retain anonymity
  • How to get to the site
  • Safety when accessing site
  • Proximity to other services

Consultation Activities

  • Interviews (telephone/virtual)
  • Meetings with outreach workers (telephone and virtual meetings)
  • Kitchen Table Guide/Feedback Forms administered by Service Providers

Background information