B.C. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon has ordered the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH) to “stand down” on the agency’s plan to open an overdose prevention site in a vacant building near St. Paul’s Hospital.
Kahlon said Tuesday in a statement over email that he directed the health authority to instead propose “alternative programming for the site” at 900 Helmcken St. that meets the needs of the community, including treatment and recovery supports.
“This work will be informed by engagement with the City of Vancouver, local businesses, resident associations and other community partners, as well as by public health partners and people with lived experience,” Kahlon said.
The news comes after then-health
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