Sarnia's mayor wants the opening of a 24-bed withdrawal management facility at Bluewater Health expedited.
Lambton County's Committee of the Whole supported Mike Bradley's call during its meeting on Wednesday, May 15, at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park.
"All of you know that 20 years of planning for more detox facilities in the community were successful, and that means we go from seven beds at Bluewater Health to 24, and what I've asked this council to do is ask the health minister to do everything possible to move that project forward," said Bradley.
Bradley said there is a sense of urgency to make it a priority for this region.
"To have the 24 (beds) fully functional at Bluewater Health, would be a huge step forward for all of us in dealing with the addiction issue," he added.
Deputy Warden and Sarnia City/County Councillor Brian White asked the county to request a response if a letter was being sent.
"I think the community is really questioning what is taking so long," White said. "They make these announcements and then years go by and we still see no action, but we're seeing the results of the lack of action on the streets."
Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case suggested a face-to-face meeting with the province, at its earliest convenience, as well.
"AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference) is upcoming. They're looking for delegations right now. I think it might be fitting that the County of Lambton ask for a delegation with the minister of health and bring this up, front and center, in the discussion," Case said.
Bluewater Health received a one-time $12 million capital implementation grant for the community addictions hub in early 2022.
The centre will include clinical space for programs, treatment and all existing Bluewater Health addiction outpatient services. It will be located in the currently vacated wing that runs along Russell Street and London Road, adjacent to Bluewater Health’s Russell Street building.
When architectural drawings were initiated in late 2022, the hospital said the hub was expected to take two to three years to complete.