Frequently Asked Questions about Supervised Consumption Sites and the Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site (KMOPS)
What is a supervised consumption site?
A supervised consumption site is a clean, protected environment where people can use substances under the supervision of trained staff. Sites follow the principles of harm reduction: to reduce the risk of disease and death for people who use substances.
How do supervised consumption sites help the community?
Supervised consumption sites save lives! Between January 2016 to March 2024, there have been 47,162 overdose deaths in Canada. In 2023, Toronto alone had 523 people die from overdose.
There are many other ways supervised consumption sites help the community: Data from existing sites shows:
- Reduced health care costs
- Decreased public drug use
- Reduced discarded equipment in public spaces
- Increased use of treatment services for people with issues of substance use
Why is a supervised consumption site needed in Kensington Market?
The City identified the Kensington Market area as a ‘hot spot’ based on the high rate of suspected overdoses indicated by paramedics and hospitals. The most recent data from the City of Toronto shows that the area has one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the city.
How has COVID-19 affected the need for supervised consumption sites?
Dramatically. Before the pandemic, opioid overdose deaths had increased by 52% with a 72% increase in suspected overdose admissions to emergency rooms. During the pandemic, overdose deaths increased by a staggering 79% and continues to remain high.
What precautions does KMOPS take?
The Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site takes the safety and security of people who use the Site, staff and the community very seriously. Precautions include:
- Extra doorperson on-hand to ensure safety and security
- Safe biohazard waste disposal available
- Specially-trained staff and people with lived experience available to help on site
- Partnerships established with police, emergency services and public health
Is KMOPS funded by the government?
No. On March 29, 2019, Ontario stopped funding our Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site without any warning. Funding now comes solely from private donations.
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