In response to the increase in overdose deaths in the Victoria area, overdose prevention services have resumed at The Harbour at 941 Pandora Avenue. Enhanced safety measures are in place to protect clients and staff from COVID-19. The Harbour has implemented physical distancing requirements, enhanced cleaning and enhanced client and staff safety measures in compliance with WorkSafeBC. The Harbour will observe all provincial orders around COVID-19.
The Harbour shifted to a mobile service in April, providing harm reduction and overdose prevention services in the community in order to comply with the Provincial health guidelines around physical distancing.
The Harbour will be open seven days a week, 9:30am to 5:30pm. It has reopened in accordance with the 2016 Public Health Emergency declared by the Provincial Health Officer.
The Harbour is led by four agencies: Island Health, BC Emergency Health Services, Lookout Health and Housing and Society of Living Illicit Drug Users (SOLID).
The implementation of overdose prevention services at the Harbour builds on recent Provincial Government investments in supportive housing and related health services, including overdose prevention services, at local hotels for the underserved population.
Overdose prevention services in Campbell River, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Cowichan and Victoria (provided by AVI, PHS and Cool Aid) remain open.
Media inquiries:
Cheryl Bloxham
250-370-8878
Cheryl.Bloxham@islandhealth.ca