On May 5, 2026, Vancouver Coastal Health and RainCity Housing announced the Thomus Donaghy Overdose Prevention Site at 900 Helmcken Street — with no prior notice to neighbouring businesses or residents. The lease begins June 1, 2026.

The site sits directly adjacent to a block of women-led, customer-facing small businesses, and across the street from residential homes. Despite VCH citing "years of consultation with various community partners, including the City," the people who live and work immediately next to this site were never contacted.

We are calling for
1. Immediate consultation with neighbouring businesses and residents before operations begin

2. A transparent site management plan covering safety, security, litter, and community impact

3. A formal explanation of why directly neighbouring community members were excluded from consultation

4. An assessment of whether an alternate location exists that does not burden an active business and residential corridor

We are not opposed to harm reduction services. We are asking to be treated as stakeholders in decisions that directly affect our safety, livelihoods, and community.