People turned out last July to protest a consumption and treatment services site coming to their Cambridge neighbourhood.
It was the latest chapter in the story that clashes the need to help keep drug users safer with the opinions and wants of others in the neighbourhood.
"We're here to stand united with voices in our city that are demanding better services for all of our community members," said Clifford Vanclief, a resident of the neighbourhood where one of the two sites is proposed. He was speaking to a crowd of approximately 70 people gathered at 8 Oxford St. The other location is 15 Easton St.
"As a recovering addict myself, I fully understand the need for rehabilitation for those suffering from addiction," said Vanclief. "Today, I am clean. I am clean through rehab and rehab support services. A standalone CTS site does not offer a lifeline to those in need. We need our federal and provincial governments to find solutions for treatment and homelessness.
"We need to give those suffering a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, and improved quality of life," he said. "A CTS site does not do this. Closely tied to our homelessness and addiction issues are the crimes that are occurring across the city."
Others expressed concern about safety for children and what they feel may be a possible rise in crime.
