Ontario Taking Action to Protect Local Communities and Break the Cycle of Addiction

As part of the government’s plan to protect families and communities, the province is ending provincial funding for the seven active drug injection sites that exist in communities that are supported by an existing Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. To date, the province has invested almost $550 million to support 28 HART Hubs across Ontario. This latest step responds directly to local concerns over public safety associated with these sites and furthers the government’s plan to fund treatment and lasting recovery from addiction, rather than continued public funding of drug injection sites.

“Our government is focused on treatment, recovery and safer communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through our almost $550 million investment to establish HART Hubs across the province, we are ensuring people struggling with addiction can access the care and supports they need to break the tragic cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives while protecting Ontario communities.”

To begin the process, the province will initiate a 90-day wind-down period, 60 days more than is required, in order to give clients time to transition to the support provided by their local HART Hub. The seven sites which will no longer receive funding include two sites in Toronto, two sites in Ottawa and one site each in Niagara, Peterborough and London. During this period the government will work directly with the municipalities and community partners to ensure a safe, coordinated wind-down of provincial funding for the drug injection sites and successful transition into the new model of recovery.

This action builds on legislation passed in 2024 that prohibits injection sites from operating within 200 metres of schools, and child-care centres. The government remains clear that the focus must be on treatment, recovery and safer communities. To date, HART Hubs have delivered care through more than 100,000 client interactions, connecting people to treatment and support. Hundreds of individuals have also accessed supportive housing and recovery-focused services that help people stabilize their lives and begin the path to recovery.

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and building on the Roadmap to Wellness, the province is connecting individuals to integrated mental health and addictions services, where and when they need it.

Quick Facts