This petition emphasizes the paramount importance of community safety and underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach to effectively address addiction and homelessness.

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, respectfully urge our City Councillors to vote against the establishment of the proposed Overdose Prevention Centre (OPS) at Park St.  based on the following concerns:

1. Community Safety Concerns: The residents in the areas surrounding the temporary shelter and Outreach Centre are already feeling unsafe in their neighbourhoods, with reports of a rise in crime, vandalism, and theft. These safety concerns will only grow with the establishment of an OPS and must be addressed comprehensively and resourced properly. 
2. Safety Concerns for Children: Reports of children getting pricked by needles in the vicinity of the temporary shelter and Outreach Centre are alarming. We demand a concrete plan to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens as the Province moves forward with the OPS and related services for our vulnerable population,. 
3. Safety Concerns at Homeless Shelters: The safety of homeless shelter residents has not been adequately addressed. Failure to install sprinklers during its first year of operation raise questions about the Province's commitment to safety for the unhoused and users.
4. Lack of Community Input: The proposal for the OPS was made without adequate consultation with the community. Local residents were not engaged at any point during the planning process. This bodes poorly for how the Province will respond to residents' concerns going forward.
5. Limited Operational Hours: The proposed operating hours of 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday and Sunday, are insufficient to provide 24/7 access, which is essential for the population in need. 
6. Third-Party Management: Outsourcing the OPS to a third-party NGO raises concerns about accountability and professionalism. We advocate for experienced government professionals to manage this facility.
7. Comprehensive Addiction Solutions: We believe in addressing addiction as a complex issue, not with Band-Aid solutions. Before approving the OPS, we urge the Council to vote 'No' until the Province presents a comprehensive plan to tackle addiction, mental health, and homelessness in our community.
8. Lack of Transparency: The decision-making process for site selection has not been transparent. We demand information on why this location was chosen, why other sites were deemed unfit,  and whether alternatives, such as a mobile OPS unit, were considered.
9. Lack of Long-Term Consideration: The OPS location seems to be a temporary solution on a toxic site. We question its long-term suitability and urge the council to vote NO, until the Province presents alternative, sustainable long-term locations as part of its plan.

In conclusion, we all share a common goal - to find effective solutions for the challenges our community faces. We are willing and eager to put our best foot forward and collaborate with the province to identify a more suitable and inclusive solution. We believe that by working together, we can ensure our community's safety, well-being, and long-term prosperity while addressing the complex issues of addiction and homelessness.