‘I’m saying close the site’: Calgary’s supervised consumption site becomes election issue

Calgary’s supervised consumption site at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre is emerging as a key issue in the city’s upcoming mayoral election, with candidate Sonya Sharp pledging to ask the province to shut it down if elected.

Sharp made the announcement on Wednesday, saying she would ask the UCP government to close the Safeworks Outreach site in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood, adding that the plan for supporting vulnerable populations lies with the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

“Their plan on how they work with the population in distributing what they need is not my responsibility,” Sharp said.

The site has long been a source of political tension. While the provincial government has maintained that a closure should be initiated by the city, Calgary City Council last year debated a motion to shut it down but ultimately chose not to take a position.

Some councillors argued that the matter falls under provincial jurisdiction.

Incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek criticized Sharp’s stance, saying, “It’s fascinating that a candidate who understands what the roles of a mayor and council are is now towing the same line as the province.”

Gondek penned a letter to Premier Danielle Smith earlier this year requesting a joint collaboration to explore the future of the site. Smith hinted at the site’s closure during a March call-in radio show, stating, “we’re going to work on shutting it down.”

However, her tone shifted in September, saying the delay stems from a lack of consensus on city council: “The only delay has been that it doesn’t sound like city council is of the same mind on that.”

Other mayoral candidates have expressed concern over the idea of closing the site without a comprehensive plan to support those who rely on its services.

“This isn’t just about kicking people onto the street, it is about addiction recovery,” said Jeff Davison.

Brian Thiessen questioned the lack of a follow-up strategy: “My question for Sonya and Communities First is ‘and then what?”

Jeromy Farkas echoed those concerns, warning that “shutting the doors without treatment and recovery in place just shifts the crisis somewhere else.”

Political analysts say candidates are using the hot-button issue to gain visibility and define their platforms.

“I think probably what we are seeing a bit of is candidates trying to capture attention, and get attention to what they stand for,” said Lori Williams, associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University.