Island Health has now submitted the first of three applications seeking approval to set up permanent supervised drug consumption sites in the Capital Region.
The regional health authority says its application for 941 Pandora Avenue, near Our Place Society, was couriered to the federal health ministry earlier today.
The building is owned by Island Health and already offers a range of health and substance use services. The facility -- to be called the Pandora Community Health Centre -- will require extensive renovations to accommodate drug consumption services, including access points, a reception area, and a post-use area.
Island Health says work continues on applications for permanent drug consumption sites next to Rock Bay Landing Shelter and at Central Care Home, and they expect to have one of the applications completed in the next few weeks.
The provincial government announced last month that emergency overdose prevention sites would be temporarily established at all three aforementioned locations while the federal process plays out.