Fact checking claims about NANDU and peer-run safe consumption sites

published on March 2, 2023 by Lys Morton in The Discourse

Since April 2022, the Nanaimo Area Network of Drug Users (NANDU) operated a site at 264 Nicol St. that helped about 200 clients a day with safe consumption, drug testing and overdose prevention.

The peer-run site garnered mixed community reactions, and on Monday, Jan. 16 city council declared the site a public nuisance after a report and recommendation by city staff following what Dale Lindsay, general manager of development services, said were repeated calls for police and city services to deal with on-site incidents.

Delegations to council highlighted concerns around off-property drug use and safety issues — like aggression, crime and impaired driving — with members after they had left the site.

After the declaration Nanaimo City Coun. Erin Hemmens told the CBC that as a former coroner, she understands the toxic drug crisis deeply and fully supports safe consumption sites…

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