March 19, 2026
The St. Catharines Downtown Association (SCDA) is aware of the Province of Ontario’s decision to end funding for several Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites across Ontario, including the site serving Niagara Region, as part of a shift toward a treatment-focused model.
Downtown business and property owners share the goal of safer communities and stronger pathways to recovery for individuals experiencing addiction. Our members want to see fewer overdoses, fewer people suffering in public spaces and meaningful supports that help individuals move toward treatment, housing and long-term stability.
At the same time, changes to services currently operating in downtown areas can have real impacts on surrounding business districts.
When services that currently provide supervision and support are removed without clearly established alternatives in place, there is a risk that activities previously occurring within the CTS could shift into unsupervised consumption in surrounding public spaces.
“Downtown businesses rely on a safe and welcoming environment where customers, employees and visitors feel comfortable coming into the core,” said Karen Orlandi, Chair of the SCDA Board of Directors. “Our concern is for the businesses in the downtown core, which are already facing many challenges. We simply cannot afford to see supervised consumption shift into our streets and public spaces.”
The SCDA encourages coordination between the Province, Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines, and community partners to ensure this is carefully planned and that downtown communities are supported throughout the process.
Media Contact
Kat Dodge
Executive Director
St. Catharines Downtown Association
Kat@MyDowntown.ca