A petition to stop the opening of an overdose prevention site near a daycare centre in Fort St. John is gaining traction.
The petition, titled “Stop the opening of an injection site near Wiggles & Giggles,” was launched by Katie MacDonald, and has gathered over 500 signatures.
It aims to prevent the opening of an overdose prevention site located on 100 Avenue, near Wiggles and Giggles Daycare.
According to Google Maps, the daycare is about a three-minute walk form the site.
The petition argues that having the site so close to young children endangers their safety and well-being, adding that these sites often increase crimes, loitering, and exposure to drugs. It calls for the site’s relocation.
The general manager of Wiggles and Giggles Daycare expressed her concerns in a statement.
“While we understand and respect the need for a facility to support individuals struggling with addiction, its proximity to spaces dedicated to the care and education of young children raises serious safety and well-being concerns,” Laura Barber said.
Barber added that the site is also in close proximity to several other daycares, preschools, and an elementary school.
“We strongly believe that locating this site farther from areas where children learn and play would better balance the needs of all members of our community,” she said.
Northern Health said the current location was identified in November 2022 and it has no plan to relocate the centre at this time.
The site is set to open at the beginning of next year, once renovations are completed.
The health authority added that it did a significant amount of engagement with community groups when choosing the location.
“Northern Health runs its OPS in a safe and respectful way for clients, staff, area businesses and the community,” it said.
Northern Health noted that peer-reviewed research conducted by the BC Centre for Disease Control found no link between OPS sites and increased crime, substance use, or nuisance complaints.
“The Fort St. John Health Services Centre will be the first OPS in the Northern Health region to offer an indoor inhalation space, and among the first in B.C. With the inclusion of an indoor inhalation space, all OPS-related activities at the site will take place inside the facility,” the health authority said.