Hamilton’s Public Health Committee will not act on a petition to designate Hamilton’s public libraries as ‘safe drug consumption sites.’
They listened politely as Tyler Dhaliwal presented his petition Monday morning, asking the City to designate libraries for drug use.
Dhaliwal stated that drugs are already being used inside libraries, and it would be better to direct these activities into a supervised outdoor space.
“The area immediately adjacent and inclusive of Central Library comprises the second largest hotspot for overdose activity in the city,” he said. “There are many reasons why this is the case.”
“Almost every service addicts want or need is located in this vicinity,” he said, noting the library is one of the few places with publicly accessible washrooms, and it is near homeless shelters. “Business follows demand. Why doesn’t healthcare?”
He said drug consumption sites need “to be close enough to where addicts want to enjoy their high, but not in sight of those unaccustomed to such displays.” Dhaliwal suggested the rooftop of Jackson Square as a good location for a heated outdoor shelter for supervised drug use
“Getting addicts to use outside of the library,” he said, will mean “kids will no longer be exposed to the harmful byproducts of [drug] use.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision to close supervised consumption sites, and replace them with Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) sites was criticized by Dhaliwal as having the “end goal” of “cleansing the population of undesirables deemed too burdensome for the Treasury.”
Hamilton’s Chief Librarian, Paul Takala, does not support the proposal. Dhaliwal stated that he came to City Hall with the hope the petition would fall on “ears less deaf than his.”
The union representing the Library’s 200-plus workers does not support the petition.
“CUPE 932 is opposed to this petition and any other petition or motion to designate public libraries as supervised consumption sites or SCSs,” said Jennie Hamilton.
“Public libraries are one of the few remaining spaces open to all and always free. Libraries are gathering spots to learn, connect with valuable resources, work, study, create, take shelter on too cold or too hot days, and so much more. Library workers help people in so many ways. But we’re not trained to address addictions, mental health, and other medical crises that SES staff have done for countless Hamiltonians so expertly over the years.”
Hamilton says library workers wish to see Premier Ford reverse his decisions and reopen supervised consumption sites.
“The impact of the Hamilton SCS closures is already evident in some of our libraries and their surrounding neighbourhoods. Increased drug use in our spaces has also increased our exposure to sharps and biohazardous materials. Overdoses and drug poisonings continue to rise, and many workers are forced to take on roles we are not trained to deal with. The Community Care Recovery Act was not well thought out and didn’t consider the detriments it would have on other service providers, such as public library workers.”
Committee Thanks Delegates and Takes No Further Action
Committee members thanked the delegates and voted to receive the petition without taking any action.
“I just wanted to thank the delegates,” stated Member Chelsea Kirkby. “It really shows the care and compassion within the community and the engagement around this issue that is really impacting everyone.”
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: April 28, 2025
Last updated: April 28, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
Well, that’s that. I see their point in wanting the (already happening) drug use in the library to be supervised rather than random, but still. We can’t turn into Vancouver.
Our gov’t needs to build more of these facilities near hospitals, and give incentives to the addict to allow the use of supervision at the medical sites (i.e. free clean needles, condoms, etc).
I really do agree with this sentiment. I understand addiction at a level most don’t. I have lost many people I love in the last few years, all to fent. It won’t matter where they use, they will use. I hope the city can find a more effective way to help those in need.
Side note: In my experience I found out that in Burlington they e-transfer their dealer and their product is thrown out a moving car window at the address requested for delivery. Police don’t care. They have been provided numbers of these “dealers” and they can do nothing with it.
There has to be something they can come up with that helps and addresses what is going on in the community.