New HART hub coming to Kingston

The Province announced that they will also increase their funding to $6.3 million into the new site slated to open October 1.

There will be a new HART hub coming to Kingston.

The Province announced on Friday that a new homeless and addiction recovery treatment centre is set to open on Oct 1, a day after the current drug consumption site on Montreal St is expected to close.

They say this will ensure continuity of care for those in need in the community. There is no indication as to where the new HART hub will be located in the city.

In a news release, the Province will double the funding in the new site to the tune of $6.3 million. 

There have been concerns from a number of community groups in Kingston after the Ford government announced it will end all funding to drug consumption sites in Ontario on Sept 30. Many were worried about where people will go to once the site is closed.

The Province say the hub will be designed by its community to respond to local priorities and will include services such as mental health and addictions supports, primary care, supportive housing, social services and employment supports.

"The new HART Hub in Kingston will connect vulnerable residents with the resources they need to rebuild their lives," says Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

"(This will also be) protecting Ontario communities from dangerous behaviour driven by the increase and open use of illegal drugs.”

The new HART hub in Kingston brings the total number to 29 hubs.

Story by Ken Hashizume