Island Health has been given approval by Health Canada to open the first supervised consumption site in Victoria.
Supervised consumption services will be available at 941 Pandora Avenue which will now be named the Pandora Community Health and Wellness Centre.
"The introduction of supervised consumption services is an important step in saving lives and harm reduction,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer. “The opioid crisis has taken a tremendous toll on the Island and as health care providers, we must offer greater supports and resources to people in the communities we serve.”
Extensive renovations will be required to the site, which includes up to 10 consumption booths, waiting/reception and post-use area, as well as a mental health counselling room, a nurse clinic room and a medication room.
The expected completion of the renovations and the start of supervised consumption services is spring/summer 2018.
A release from Island Health says Victoria has the third highest rate of drug overdoses in the province.