After eight years of service, the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site at the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) run by Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) has closed its doors. This decision comes after the provincial government chose to stop funding for supervised consumption sites, making Kingston’s site the last to shut down permanently.
KCHC stated that while 661 Montreal St. will still be operational, the closure means that services like supervised consumption, needle exchange, and drug-checking will no longer be available.
“There’s a lot of grief and remorse and sadness,” said Wendy Vuyk, director of Community Health with KCHC. “Our staff did such a wonderful job of establishing very positive relationships with very vulnerable people, many of whom use substances, many who did not, but we really believe that we saved lives.”
Vuyk mentioned that having access to CTS provided individuals a safe environment to consume substances, have their drugs checked, and avoid overdoses while also reducing visits to local hospitals.
“We’re all deeply worried that people won’t receive the support they had in the past,” said Vuyk. “The team kept people safe and diverted people from emergency departments and needing the services of first responders. Most importantly, they provided support and guidance and referrals to shelters, to other community-based services, to employment, and many referrals to primary care.”
Although many services will continue at the hub, safe consumption is not among them-a significant concern for Vuyk moving forward.
“The reality is that the drug supply is very toxic and poisoned. I’m worried about what we expect to be an increased number of deaths and increased hospital admissions, increased calls to first responders and 911,” said Vuyk. She explained that dependency on substances can stem from various issues like trauma or pain.
She noted that on most days over the past eight years about 100 individuals would access CTS-some were regulars while others were one-time visitors.
Vuyk expressed her concerns about trends seen in other communities where more individuals are consuming drugs alone or in public spaces.
With CTS now closed for good, she hopes Health Canada will permit them to continue using their drug-testing device which has proven essential over time.
“We were able to tell people some of the horrible things that were in substances that they thought they got from a reputable place. We’ve had parents come to our centre with substances that they found in their child’s backpack and we tested. Had the substance not been tested, it could have been disastrous and heartbreaking results. Again, the drug supply is so tainted and toxic,” said Vuyk who hopes for an update soon.
Three people walk towards the Integrated Care Hub along Montreal Street on Jan. 23, 2026. The ICH officially closed on Sept. 30, 2026. (Photo by ELLIOT FERGUSON/The Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network)) Elliot Ferguson / The Kingston Whig Standard
On Wednesday at ICH grounds, coordinator Justine Mc Issac thanked her team for their efforts over the years which she described as a significant journey for everyone involved.
“Thousands of overdoses have been responded to not only by staff but our (coordinated service planners), peers and clients whom we love so very much. Again thank you to all clients over these years who stepped foot on this property-you’ve made my life better,” said Mc Issac while urging community members especially those vulnerable ones to support each other during this transition.
As a way to honor special individuals or those who have passed away recently, balloons adorned with messages were released into the sky by participants in remembrance.
Vuyk also expressed gratitude towards her CTS team for supporting clients throughout their challenging journeys over time.
“Everybody at CTS is someone’s loved one or family member; we’ve worked closely with families who’ve lost children due overdose or drug poisoning situations-the values are strong but it’s tough work that’s needed greatly-it truly changes lives,” said Vuyk.
Post-transition; KCHC’s Street Health Centre located on Barrack Street plans on continuing primary care alongside addiction treatment as well as harm reduction services focusing more heavily now on outreach aimed at maintaining vital connections for those relying on CTS assistance previously.
“The need for care doesn’t disappear just because CTS has shut down,” says Vuyk. “Our goal now revolves around informing everyone where continued access exists ensuring established relationships persist while working closely together with partners strengthening broader support systems.”
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson indicated collaboration continues between city officials alongside partners related towards developing transition plans emphasizing community needs remain prioritized ensuring individuals retain necessary supports per new HART Hub model introduced province-wide.
“During this transition period monitoring demand patterns outreach efforts referral pathways emergency service utilization remains key-listening closely towards feedback received from providers lived experiences neighborhood residents businesses alongwith emergency teams absolutely matters,” shared Paterson via supplied statement
“It’s crucial paying attention throughout this major shift aiming ensure appropriate links established helping everyone get connected easily.”
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