Windsor’s HART hub application still under review
Windsor’s application for a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hub remains under review as the province announced Thursday that nine supervised drug consumption sites elsewhere in Ontario will be repurposed by March 31.
The approved locations – situated in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph, and Thunder Bay – are set to transition into HART hubs under the Ford government’s plan.
“It’s great to see that those facilities will continue to offer services to help the neighborhood and in a way that is complementary to getting people back on their feet and on the path to recovery,” said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, the Waterloo Region HART Hub, at 44 Francis Street South on Jan. 2, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)
While Windsor’s application for a HART hub wasn’t included in this announcement, Dowie called the model a step forward.
“From those that speak from lived experience, they’ve been pretty united in saying that helping someone to a path to recovery is going to have the best possible results for the individual,” he said.
The province’s decision to move away from supervised consumption sites has drawn criticism.
A December report from Ontario’s Auditor General found the shift was made without sufficient planning, impact analysis, or public consultation.
However, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare President and CEO Bill Marra has urged patience, saying the hubs need a chance to prove their effectiveness.
“We need to give these hubs an opportunity to demonstrate what impact they’ll have on services,” said Marra. “Again, this is not meant to be a criticism, because if you canvass everyone that’s involved in this debate on either side, we all want the same outcomes.”
Unlike the nine approved sites, which were already operating under provincial approval, Windsor’s SafePoint facility closed without ever securing funding.
Dowie said Windsor’s application for a HART hub is still under review and that an announcement could be made soon.
“I’m fighting tooth and nail to say how important our application is and that the services will be very welcome to our community to help those that are in need,” he said.
Dowie added that the province is working toward its goal of having all 19 HART hubs operational by April 1.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
WATCH
WATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
Rideau Canal Skateway opening 'looking very positive'
As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Jimmy Carter's funeral begins by tracing 100 years from rural Georgia to the world stage
Jimmy Carter 's extended public farewell began Saturday in Georgia, with the 39th U.S. president’s flag-draped casket tracing his long arc from the Depression-era South and family farming business to the pinnacle of American political power and decades as a global humanitarian.
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
Jeff Baena, writer, director and husband of Aubrey Plaza, dead at 47
Jeff Baena, a writer and director whose credits include 'Life After Beth' and 'The Little Hours,' has died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Kitchener
-
Police urging drivers to stay off the roads in Perth County
The Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to think twice before hitting the roads.
-
Three school board trustees call for town hall following director of education's departure
Three Waterloo Region District School Board trustees are joining the call for a town hall after a sudden shake up within the board.
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
London
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Poor weather postpones OHL Games in Owen Sound and Barrie
Inclement weather and travel conditions have forced the postponement of two games in the Ontario Hockey League Saturday.
-
Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas among celebrities coming to St. Thomas, Ont.
The annual St. Thomas Sports Sports Spectacular presented by Hydro One has landed another superstar for the annual event later this month.
Barrie
-
Barrie declares significant weather event
The City of Barrie has declared a significant weather event on Saturday in response to the persistent snowfall in the area.
-
OHL game postponed due to weather
With the City of Barrie under a significant weather event declaration, Saturday evening’s Barrie Colts versus Kingston Frontenacs game at Sadlon Arena has been postponed.
-
‘Serious’ snowmobile crash under investigation
Police are investigating what is being deemed as a ‘serious’ snowmobile crash in Tay Township Saturday afternoon.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
MNR renews call for help with investigation of abandoned cow moose killed in northern Ont.
Conservation officers with the Ministry of Nature Resources are again asking for the public’s help with identifying those responsible for killing a cow moose near Chapleau, Ont.
-
Hwy. 17 reopens near Echo Bay after crash
Highway 17 between Bar River Rodd East and Lake George Road East has reopened after been closed for a few hours Saturday afternoon because of a crash.
-
Sault Ste. Marie honours local homeless, addiction advocate with annual Medal of Merit
The City of Sault Ste. Marie recently announced its 2024 Medal of Merit honouree – the award is going to a local woman who has helped improve the lives of thousands in the region.
Ottawa
-
WATCHWATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
-
Rideau Canal Skateway opening 'looking very positive'
As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
-
OTTAWA'S LRT
OTTAWA'S LRT All aboard Ottawa's new LRT line: What you need to know about the new north-south Line 2 and Line 4
Ottawa’s new north-south rail line will open to the public on Monday, Jan. 6, connecting downtown Ottawa and Riverside South with a spur to the Ottawa International Airport.
Toronto
-
Police search for suspects after jewelry store robbery at Burlington mall
Police are searching for multiple suspects following a smash-and-grab robbery at a mall jewelry store in Burlington Saturday afternoon.
-
'Ambassadors for their species in the wild': Toronto Zoo loses 2 long-term residents
Toronto Zoo has bid goodbye to two of its long-term residents over the past week.
-
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
Montreal
-
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
-
CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 with anchor Matt Grillo.
-
Here are the locations of the latest Quebec measles outbreak
Quebec public health confirmed that officials are monitoring a measles outbreak that began in December in Montreal, Laval and the Laurentians.
Winnipeg
-
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
-
Vacant apartment building demolished after third fire in 2 years
A vacant three-storey apartment building on Mountain Avenue has been demolished after its third fire since 2023.
-
Manitoba's top baby names for 2024
Manitoba’s top baby names remained mostly unchanged for 2024, though some new contenders made their way into the top 10.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Health care dominated Alberta lobbying registry in 2024
Health care dominated the lobbying agendas of Alberta’s influencers this year after the provincial government promised to dismantle and decentralize the public health system.
-
Fire breaks out in south Edmonton home
A fire broke out in a south Edmonton home on Saturday afternoon.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Extreme cold warnings expanded across country; snowfall warnings remain for southern Alberta
A persistent weather pattern is funnelling arctic air across the Prairies, which forced Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue extreme cold warnings late Thursday.
-
Threat made to Lethbridge casino deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax: police
Investigators with Lethbridge police determined that a threat made to a local casino Thursday night was deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax.
Regina
-
Family of man shot by Hamilton police hold vigil and rally in Regina
The family and community of a man shot by police in Hamilton in November continue to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
-
Regina woman turns to social media to find donor match for kidney transplant
A Regina woman currently waiting for a kidney transplant is now seeking a donor through a social media post.
-
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Vancouver
-
Body found in burned vehicle in Abbotsford park, police say
Homicide investigators have been called in to probe a suspicious death in Sumas Mountain Regional Park outside Abbotsford, police say.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory welcomes visitors after months-long closure
After closing for just over two months for upgrades, Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory re-opened its doors the public Saturday.
Vancouver Island
-
Driver dead after collision with construction vehicle in Saanich, B.C.
A driver is dead after colliding with a construction vehicle in Saanich Friday night.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
WestJet denies compensation to Taylor Swift fan after flight cancellation
WestJet has denied compensation to a devout Taylor Swift fan whose cancelled flight triggered a 10-hour drive through the night from Prince George to make the singer's shows in Vancouver last month.
Atlantic
-
‘We’re at a loss’: Salisbury, N.B., says goodbye to volunteer firefighter
Residents from the Town of Salisbury, N.B., lined Main Street Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to Capt. Tim Dryden of Salisbury Fire and Rescue.
-
Man assaulted in Costco parking lot in Moncton, N.B.
The Codiac Regional RCMP are investigating an assault that took place outside a Costco on Granite Drive in Moncton on Friday.
-
Maritime hockey teams go head-to-head in ‘blood feud’ for good cause
Three teams in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are battling for a cause greater than hockey this January in the Battle of the Bridge – an annual blood donation challenge.
N.L.
-
Labradorians pay thousands to fly to Newfoundland. Could a Quebec energy deal help?
An airport executive in Labrador hopes a new energy deal with Quebec could help attract a competing airline company to the northern region, where flights costs have climbed at more than three times the national rate.
-
Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
-
Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
