NorWest CHC in Thunder Bay, the location of the former safe injection site - (Acadia Broadcasting File Photo)

Thunder Bay’s safe injection site has closed, and the city’s new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub is set to open.

The provincial government announced on Tuesday that nine safe injection sites that were forced to close had successfully transitioned into and opened as HART Hubs.

Thunder Bay’s hub is opening a day late on Wednesday.

The hub is operating out of a temporary location at 510 Victoria Avenue East, which also houses People Advocating Change.

Norwest Community Health Centre’s Path 525 Safe Injection Site was one of the sites forced to close after the province announced that it was establishing new rules for safe injection sites last August.

The rule change made it so the sites would no longer be allowed to be located near schools or childcare centres.

The sites had to close by the end of the day on Monday.

Path 525 provided drug consumption and treatment services, giving their clients a safe space to consume illicit substances.

They had staff on hand offering consumption education, harm reduction supplies, and overdose assistance.

“Communities and families across Ontario have made it clear that drug injection sites near schools and child-care centres make communities unsafe,” said Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones.

“Our government is proud to announce the successful transition of these nine sites into new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs that will keep our communities safe, while giving those struggling with mental health and addictions challenges, hope and the tools they need to break the cycle of addiction.”

Thunder Bay’s new HART Hub will receive up to four times more funding than it did as drug injection sites and will, over time, provide a range of services to meet local needs such as primary care, mental health services including addiction care and support, peer support, social services and employment support.

“By transitioning these sites into HART Hubs, we’re ensuring that people struggling with addiction get the treatment and support they need to recover,” said Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Vijay Thanigasalam.

“At the same time, we’re making sure our schools and child-care centres remain safe for children and families. These new hubs reflect our government’s commitment to helping people build healthier lives while also ensuring the safety of our communities.”

Renovations are underway at 409 George Street, which will be the permanent hub location which is expected to open in June.