The Ripple Effects of a Supervised Drug Consumption Site

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The Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto is coping with a “Safe Injection Site” (also called Supervised Consumption sites). Journalist Derek Finkle of the National Post lives in the community. He says the site, which opened in 2017, has drastically changed the neighbourhood, attracting drug dealers and leading to increased crime and drug use.

The situation escalated in summer 2021 when a stray bullet from a gunfight between drug dealers killed a local mother.

Despite residents' repeated warnings and pleas for action, the city and province only began to listen after the tragic incident. Finkle criticizes the management of the site for failing to acknowledge their role in the neighbourhood's problems and for not taking adequate measures to ensure safety.

The provincial government has since appointed a supervisor to oversee the site, and there are discussions about relocating it. Leslieville is one of 17 similar facilities across Ontario.

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Guest: Derek Finkle
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Recorded in Sep 2023