As a councilor representing the downtown, not a week goes by that I am not stopped on the street, recieve a phone call, or recieve an email from residents expressing concerns about open substance abuse and uncomfortable encounters within the public spaces of our downtown.

And while I sympathize with the individual stories of those living with addictions, simply put, public spaces in our downtown need to feel safe, secure, and welcoming for residents and visitors.  For these reasons I applaud Mayor Guthrie and other community leaders for coming together to host this important forum.  I’m looking forward to discussing more about the measures being taken to comfront these challenges; including support networks for treatment, harm reduction and prevention, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure and enhance public safety.

I strongly encourage all to attend including the many residents and business owners of our downtown.

See details below.

New Release

Guelph, Ont., October 13, 2017– Join Mayor Cam Guthrie and community agencies for a Mayor’s Forum on Substance Use on Monday, October 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Guelph City Hall. This is a free event; all are welcome and no RSVP is required.

In the midst of a national opioid crisis, substance use in our city concerns us all. Learn about what’s being done in the areas of community safety, treatment, harm reduction, and prevention. An open question and answer session will follow.

What

Mayor’s Forum on Substance Use

Who

Speaker list:
Mayor Cam Guthrie
Adrienne Crowder, Manager, Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy
Guelph Police Chief Jeff DeRuyter
Guelph Wellington Paramedic Service Chief Stephen Dewar
Colin McVicker, Program Director, Sanguen Health Centre
Kerry Manthenga, Clinical Director of Community Services, Stonehenge Therapeutic Community
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health representative

When

Monday, October 16, 2017
6:30 to 8 p.m.

Where

Guelph City Hall, Council Chambers

Media Contact

Kate Sullivan, Communications Advisor
Mayor’s Office
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2558
[email protected]