Premier Doug Ford said the province will finish its review of consumption and treatment services (CTS) sites soon.
"It's actually funny you say that. I was speaking to my office today about that," Ford said at an unrelated press conference in Essex Monday morning.
In response to a question about Windsor's only CTS, SafePoint, Ford said that "it's important for the community. And if it's important for the community, then we'll get it done, but it shouldn't be too much longer."
Ontario paused all pending and new CTS applications after a shooting outside a Toronto site last summer. Site operators, advocates and opposition parties have called on the government to hurry, saying lives are being lost.
Michael Tibollo, the associate minister of mental health and addictions, estimated a two-month timeline for the review two months ago.
Ford suggested he's not looking to change the total number of sites across the province, which his government has capped at 21.
"In total, we said there'd be 21 sites. We're at 17, so there's four more to go," he said.
For its eight months of operation, SafePoint was funded by the local health unit, which was expecting provincial funds to flow this summer. The CTS had to close its doors on Jan. 1 after funding was paused.
Last week, advocates protested outside the office of PC MPP Andrew Dowie, who was also at the announcement.
'100 per cent' confidence in housing task force chair who missed housing target
Ford reiterated his confidence in Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, the chair of the premier's housing task force, despite the city missing its housing targets.
"Well, first of all, full disclosure, I love Mayor Dilkens," Ford said, standing beside Dilkens. "I know he's gonna do a great job. I think he was at 36 per cent, but I'm confident he's gonna hit those targets. As I say, it's easy money."
"He'll get it done. I have confidence, 100 per cent, in him."
According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Windsor did indeed accomplish just 346 housing starts of its provincially imposed goal of 953 for the year of 2023, good for 36 per cent. It would've needed to hit at least 80 per cent — 762 starts — to qualify for funding under the province's new Building Faster Fund.
There was some controversy over the miss, as the city claimed the province's numbers weren't up to date, and that it should be judged on building permits issued — not housing starts, which are partially in developers' hands.
"I'm not too sure about the measurement side. All I know is we're handing out cheques right, left and centre. So everyone seemed to get the program," Ford said in response to a reporter raising those concerns on Monday. "There's some hurdles, but we're always there to help these municipalities."
Honda in Alliston?
The premier wouldn't bite on Honda's potential massive new electric vehicle plant, which could reportedly land in Alliston — but hinted that good news could be coming soon.
"It's gonna be a banner year. That's all I can tell you. I'm really, really excited," he said, thanking municipalities for their help.
"I'm really excited, actually. This year's gonna be a phenomenal year. Just stay tuned."
