Local non-profit granted exemption to operate supervised consumption site in Regina

Friendship Centre operating safe consumption site WATCH: The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre says they've been granted an exception to operate a safe consumption site in Regina.

The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre says they have been granted an exemption to operate Regina’s only supervised consumption site.

The non-profit made the announcement on social media Monday afternoon.

“Supervised consumption sites have been proven to save lives and benefit communities,” the post reads. “Our supervised consumption site offers a range of evidence-based harm reduction services, such as drug checking.”

Wâhkôhtowin Harm Reduction first opened in 2021 at the centre. The safe drug injection site also offers individuals connectivity to wrap around health, social services and addictions services, including referrals to substance use treatment and detox.

“Thank you to all our community members that have supported, advocated and fundraised alongside us as we worked towards achieving our goal of become supervised consumption site,” the centre added.

With the announcement, Wâhkôhtowin remains the only supervised consumption site in Reigna.

There are just two safe consumption sites in Saskatchewan. The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre and Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) in Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan government does provide funding to Newo-Yotina and PHR for drug testing. However, neither organization receives operational funding from the provincial government for drug consumption sites.

In an emailed statement to CTV News on Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health said their focus is getting people the treatment and rehabilitation they need to overcome addictions and live safe lives in recovery.

“No illicit drugs are safe, and there is no safe use of illicit drugs,” the statement read.

“By helping people overcome addictions and by supporting recovery, we can save lives, heal families, and strengthen our communities.”

The statement said that independent parties wanting to operate supervised consumption sites must apply to Health Canada for an exemption, noting that provincial government approval is not a requirement.