Fort St. John OPS site may open by end of November

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health is still working to establish warming centre services as part of the overdose prevention services site, which may open by the end of November.

The Fort St. John Health Services Centre will be located at 10067 100th Avenue, the same location where the city and Urban Matters previously operated the Fort St. John Warming Centre.

Northern Health’s COO Angela De Smit announced the new location for the site last November.

Eryn Collins, media relations with Northern Health, says the warming centre services are expected to operate during the same daytime hours as the overdose prevention and other health services. 

She says services offered will not include overnight access or accommodation.

The warming centre will offer a warm and culturally safe place to come during the day, the ability to obtain drinks and food, and the potential for washer, dryer and shower facilities, according to Collins.

The team at the site will offer witnessed consumption, including an outdoor inhalation space, and harm reduction services, such as referral to treatment.

Collins says a registered nurse, mental health and substance use clinicians and life skills workers will be on site.

According to Northern Health, renovations at the site continue as they work to establish the OPS and warming centre.

She says challenges have arisen in light of escalating construction costs, and the health authority is reviewing the building’s current layout and the ability to bring in the services they can while planning for the future use of the space.

Collins says Northern Health is getting close to opening the facility, with a target of the end of November at the latest.

Since the location has been announced, many community members, businesses and organizations have voiced their concerns about the site and its location, including the Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce.

The local chamber released a letter earlier this year with their recommendations for the site at 10067 100th Avenue, which included suggestions such as more security and better lighting.