500m Safety Buffer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto Residents Call for 500m Safety Buffer Between Drug Sites, Shelters and Schools Highlighting Gap in Ontario Policy

Toronto, ON — Following the Ontario government’s recent decision to withdraw further funding from supervised consumption sites, Toronto residents are calling on the province to address what they see as a critical policy gap: the absence of minimum distance requirements between drug-related facilities and sensitive community spaces such as schools, playgrounds, and seniors’ residences.

The New Toronto Initiative is urging Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario to implement a mandatory 500-metre safety buffer between shelters, supervised consumption sites, and any facilities distributing harm reduction supplies, and nearby:

Schools
Child-care centres
Children’s playgrounds
Seniors’ homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living residences

Currently, Ontario enforces distance requirements for certain businesses. For example, body rub parlours must operate at least 500 metres away from schools and places of worship. No equivalent standard exists for shelters or facilities associated with harm reduction or drug use, even when located in close proximity to spaces used by children and vulnerable populations.

“Our community supports compassionate, treatment-focused responses to addiction and homelessness,” said a spokesperson for the New Toronto Initiative. “At the same time, there must be clear safeguards in place to ensure that facilities associated with drug use are not located directly beside schools, playgrounds, or seniors’ residences.”

A community petition calling for these safeguards has already gathered more than 1,600 signatures across online and in-person efforts, signalling growing public concern and momentum behind the issue.

The petition calls on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and Toronto City Council to use any available legislative or regulatory tools to prohibit the placement of shelters, respite sites, or facilities distributing harm reduction supplies within 500 metres (straight-line distance) of designated sensitive locations.

In addition to establishing clear siting guidelines, the New Toronto Initiative is also encouraging the province to ensure that harm reduction efforts are paired with accessible pathways to treatment and recovery services.

“We appreciate the leadership shown by Premier Ford in addressing public safety concerns related to supervised consumption sites,” the spokesperson added. “We see this as the next step in working collaboratively with communities to ensure Ontario neighbourhoods remain safe, balanced, and supportive for everyone.”

Media Contact
New Toronto Initiative
Email media@newtorontoinitiative.ca

About the New Toronto Initiative:
The New Toronto Initiative is a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for the best interests of the New Toronto community. We are committed to ensuring responsible development and the well-being of all residents. More info can be found here: www.newtorontoinitiative.ca and here: @newtorontoinitiative