There is no evidence that involuntary/mandatory treatment is effective or more effective than voluntary treatment in producing positive health outcomes; rather, evidence indicates that it can create further harm, including an increased risk of a potentially fatal overdose. 

Voluntary treatment consistently outperforms involuntary treatment in health outcomes.

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Data from Massachusetts, where there is a legal mandate for involuntary treatment of adults with substance use and alcohol disorders, found that the risk of fatal overdose was twice as likely after involuntary treatment compared to voluntary treatment.

Many people who use drugs (PWUD), healthcare providers, and health policy experts suggest that improving the voluntary treatment system, rather than expanding involuntary detention in the absence of adequate services, would lead to better outcomes. 

Other considerations include the risk of disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups, as well as concerns about impacts on civil liberties and Charter rights.  

Safe, stable housing gives people the foundation they need to improve their health, manage mental health and addictions, and participate in the community. 

Supportive housing is also a practical investment: CMHA Ontario reports that every $10 invested in supportive housing results in an average of $21.72 in savings across health care, social services and justice systems, while a shelter bed costs roughly three times as much as supportive housing. 

For Peterborough, investing in affordable and supportive housing should be seen as an investment in both the health of our community and the strength of our local economy.

Participants consistently described these sites not merely as supervised drug consumption sites, but as places where they received integrated health and social services.

69.5% increase in EMS-treated opioid toxicities across the province of Ontario in the 6 months starting April 2025 following the closure of supervised consumption sites.
In the 9 months prior to the site closures (August 2024 - March 2025), there was a 47% decrease in emergency department visits for opioid-related toxicities across Ontario. Since April 2025, this trend has reversed with a 67% increase in emergency department visits (March - September 2025).
 

There was a 19.4% increase in confirmed and probable opioid toxicity deaths from April-October 2025.
 

Evidence from Canada, Australia, and Europe has shown that Safe Consumption Sites are associated with: Reduced overdose mortality; Decreased HIV and hepatitis C transmission; Increased uptake of addiction treatment; Reductions in public injecting.

Peterborough has expanded local residential treatment options, but there remains a significant gap for women seeking publicly funded, bed-based care. While Fourcast’s Paddock Wood provides 12 publicly funded residential treatment beds for men, women seeking a comparable local option may need to leave the community; the nearest equivalent is in Oshawa. 

This geographic displacement can separate women from their families, children, community supports and existing care providers at a time when connection is particularly important. 

Peterborough needs equitable, locally accessible addictions treatment options that recognize the different barriers and circumstances experienced by women and men.