BIA Board Support for Proposed SCS Location

Monday, May 31, 2021

Downtown Barrie BIA Board of Directors Support Proposed SCS Location

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) Board of Directors passed a motion regarding the four proposed locations for a Supervised Consumption Site within Barrie. They wish to advise the BIA membership of this motion:

The Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) recognizes the challenges surrounding the opioid crisis in our country and in our community. After a full review of the proposed SCS sites in Barrie, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) supports the efforts of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and considers the proposed 192 Bradford Street location the optimal location of the current options, as of April 15th 2021. We recognise this location addresses the science, expert experience, satellite services and geographic location of need, whilst recognizing and minimizing the concerns of our membership and that of the greater community.

As demonstrated by its continued engagement in the consultation process, including participation on the site selection committee, the BIA recognizes the importance of social services, mental health, addiction services, methadone clinics and dispensing pharmacies. The BIA does remain concerned with the unregulated, disproportionate, intensification and duplication of the aforementioned services in the downtown and, as such, view 192 Bradford Street location as the optimal location from the four options proposed as of April 15th 2021.

Stay informed on the SCS Selection Advisory Committee next steps by clicking here.