Councillor M. Schadenberg put forth the following resolution for Council's consideration at the August 10, 2023 Council meeting:
Whereas at the June 22, 2023 Southwestern Public Health Board of Health meeting, a report entitled “Consumption and Treatment Services Feasibility Study Findings Report” was approved unanimously;
Whereas this report included ‘An Exploration of the Need for and Feasibility of Consumption and Treatment Services' in Oxford and Elgin Counties;
Whereas this report concluded that the region served by Southwestern Public Health would benefit from Consumption and Treatment Services;
Whereas this report recommended proceeding with Phase 2 of the study, which will involve identifying a potential Consumption and Treatment Services site in the City of Woodstock;
Whereas this report also acknowledges that some people do not support this strategy, creating the need for ongoing consultation and engagement with the community, business owners and operators, health systems, and community partners to support the ongoing exploration of Consumption and Treatment Services in the region;
Whereas the Consumption and Treatment Services Application Guide from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that local municipal council support (i.e. a council resolution) endorsing the Consumption and Treatment Services must be obtained;
Whereas a Council resolution of non-support for a Consumption site in the City of Woodstock before commencement of Phase 2 of the study would prevent unnecessary time and effort on any ongoing exploration and consideration of a site within the City of Woodstock;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City of Woodstock does not support a Consumption and Treatment Services site within the municipal boundaries of the City of Woodstock;
And further that this resolution be circulated to Southwestern Public Health, Oxford MP Arpan Khanna, and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman.