Waterloo Region Drug Action Team tells community: ‘We’re still here’
Posted Aug 11, 2025 03:41:25 PM.
Last Updated Aug 11, 2025 04:42:13 PM.
The Waterloo Region Drug Action Team (WR DAT), long-time advocates for safe consumption and safe supply programs, were hit hard by changes implemented earlier this year by the provincial government.
Ontario introduced changes to its drug treatment and addiction services model, which included regulations limiting where safe consumption sites could be located. Those that violated the regulations were forced to close. That included the site on Duke Street in Kitchener.
“It has been an absolutely devastating year for people who consume unregulated substances and people in our communities who try to support advancements in both individual and community health and safety,” said Michael Parkinson, WR DAT volunteer, drug strategies specialist.
WR DAT is hosting, We’re Still Here: A Harm Reduction Picnic, and an open mic on Tuesday, August 12, in Kitchener’s Victoria Park.
The event is a chance for those affected by the drug poisoning crisis to gather in a safe space with supporters of harm reduction in a spirit of community.
Parkinson said that despite the rhetoric from the province, there is strong support for harm reduction strategies amongst the general public.
“People are not willing to accept this large-scale death in the face of government indifference. It really puts community members at risk, for sure, but the alternative is to watch our friends and neighbours die.”
The province has threatened to pull funding from a communities HART Hub, should they continue to support safe consumption sites or safe supply programs.
The HART Hubs are intended to provide wrap-around addiction treatment services, but do not offer harm reduction.
Advocates have been saying the HART Hubs are insufficient, especially without the harm reduction component.
Tuesday’s gathering will take place on Roos Island in Victoria Lake. It begins at 6:30 pm. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair, snacks, instruments, poems and especially their voice.
It is free to attend and some light refreshments will be provided.
