The City is looking at ways of addressing some key issues facing Moncton’s homeless population.
Efforts are underway to create a safe injection site.
Councillor Paulette Theriault says the city has received numerous emails about individuals using drugs in public parks.
Director of Recreation and Culture, Catherine Dallaire says they are working on the initiative with community partner, Ensemble Moncton.
“A safe injection site would provide a safe place for people to use their drugs, be supervised and ensure the syringes and so on are properly disposed of,” says Dallaire.
She says many individuals who use are unhoused and choose to get high where they feel safest, often that is in public spaces like parks.
“This would be an opportunity to move that activity out of public spaces and into something much safer for the individuals,” Dallaire says.
Aditionally, she they are also working with YMCA ReConnect on setting up misting tents to offer relief from the extreme heat.
“As you know, the library isn’t open for regular patrons, just pick up and delivery and the shopping centres aren’t really open for walking in and some of the things we usually did pre-COVID,” she says.
Dallaire says there are currently 156 individuals living rough, in addition to more than a hundred who are accessing shelters.
