Studying solutions

While it won’t happen overnight, the city hopes a new study on Thunder Bay’s substance issues will find solutions.

Council unanimously approved a study Monday that will look into how to best resolve substance abuse issues that are taxing city services. City manager Tim Commisso said the study isn’t just about trying to get the city more detox beds, currently at seven, but rather how best to deal with a problem that is greater than other cities in the province.

He said because there isn’t one provincial ministry that deals with substance abuse issues, Thunder Bay has to find out what the best options are.

"Communities have to take the initiative themselves," Commisso said. "I think that’s what we’re really looking to do."

Nancy Black, manager of addiction services with St. Joseph’s Care Group, said the Balmoral Centre has seen an unprecedented 20 per cent increase every year in the demand for detox beds.

"Tragically we were unable to serve over 1,000 individuals last year," Black said.
While councillors recognized the need for solutions, some, such as Mayor Keith Hobbs, wants to see results.

"We don’t need to study this to death, we know there’s an issue.’ Hobbs said.

With $30,000 of the study being funded from the city, Hobbs said he believes the report should look at other municipalities, such as Kenora, that have increased its number of beds.

"I’m not begrudging this money, but make it a quick study and an inexpensive study," said Hobbs.

Coun. Aldo Ruberto questioned why the city would need another study, given the recently released drug strategy and other studies already in place. Ruberto said he’s surprised to see another study being requested.

"It’s going to go on, and on. I don’t know about these studies anymore to be honest with you. It’s mind boggling" said Ruberto.

But Commisso said the study was needed to answer some specific questions. Some of those specific questions included who will fund a facility if that’s what is recommended and who will be responsible for the care given.

"There is no approach right now available to municipalities to deal with this," Commisso said. "Ultimately who’s responsible for it?"

Also Monday, the city is supporting a Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force call for more power in Northwestern Ontario. With the province’s long-term energy plan coming up for review, the task force said it’s time for Northwestern Ontario to have its own plan.

Deficiencies in the system and an anticipated energy shortage due to Ring of Fire activity mean a made in Northwestern Ontario plan is key, said Coun. Larry Hebert, who also sits on the task force.

"The Northwest needs additional generation in the region," Hebert said. "It’s essential for this region."

Hebert said excitement about mining activity and other industry in the north will be just talk if the province doesn’t listen to Northwestern Ontario’s concerns.

"If there no capacity all these great plans…they’re not going to happen," Hebert said.