Overdose prevention site closes in Vancouver, temporary facility activated – BC [Video]

The doors of an overdose prevention facility have officially closed in Vancouver.

The closure is due to the City of Vancouver choosing to not renew the lease for the Thomus Donaghy Overdose Prevention Site, which was announced in July 2023.

The decision to not renew the lease for the Seymour Street facility was a result of “concerns from the community” about “negative impacts” outside the site, according to Coun. Peter Meiszner.

He said everyone agrees the OPS is a “life-saving service that is desperately needed,” but there have been issues with safety, camping, cleanliness and “street disorder” outside it.

“We understand (these facilities) save lives and we need to ensure we have these services in Vancouver and I am 100 per cent in support of that,” Meiszner said.

“But they need to be run in a manner that is responsible and keeps the neighbourhood in mind.”

A new overdose prevention site will be opened at Howe Street, …