Ontario Faces Legal Challenge Over Supervised Drug-Use Site Closures

Advocates argue new law violates constitutional rights and endangers lives by shutting down key harm reduction facilities.

The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and two individuals have filed a legal challenge against Ontario's new law targeting supervised drug-use sites.
The legislation mandates the closure of 10 sites near schools or daycares by March 31, 2025, and prevents new sites from opening, citing community safety concerns.
Plaintiffs argue the law violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly the right to life, liberty, and security of the person, and infringes on federal jurisdiction over criminal law.
Ontario plans to replace the sites with 19 addiction recovery hubs and supportive housing, but critics say this approach ignores the proven life-saving benefits of supervised consumption facilities.
Data shows over 1,600 overdoses were reversed at the targeted sites in 2022-23, with no fatalities, while opioid-related deaths in Toronto have risen 74% since 2019.