Important statement from Shepherds of Good Hope

Ottawa Supervised Consumption and Treatment Services to Close in June 2026

Closure of the Trailer at Shepherds of Good Hope OTTAWA, ON – March 16, 2026

In 2017, Shepherds of Good Hope, alongside its partner Ottawa Inner City Health, opened a supervised consumption and treatment service at its downtown location, locally known as “The Trailer.”

Over the past nine years, the Trailer has provided an important service for people in our community who use drugs, offering a safe, supervised environment where overdoses can be prevented and reversed, while also connecting individuals to healthcare and social supports.

 
On March 13, 2026, Ottawa Inner City Health and Sandy Hill Community Health Centre received notice from the provincial government that funding for their supervised consumption and treatment services will end in June 2026.

Shepherds of Good Hope recognizes the significant and life-saving impact these services have had in our community. Through professional and compassionate care, the teams at both sites have reversed thousands of overdoses, built trust with clients, and helped reduce pressure on Ottawa’s broader healthcare system.

Since opening in 2017, the Trailer and its dedicated staff have continued their work through the challenges of a global pandemic and an increasingly toxic drug supply. Their efforts have supported some of the most vulnerable members of our community during an exceptionally difficult period. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the trailer has been utilized over 320,000 times! Ensuring these individuals continue to receive health supports going forward is critical.

As the Trailer closes in the coming months, Shepherds of Good Hope encourages the provincial government to ensure that funding for Ottawa Inner City Health continues, so the organization can maintain its vital role providing healthcare and outreach for people experiencing homelessness and complex health challenges in our community.

Shepherds of Good Hope remains committed to working with community partners, including Ottawa Inner City Health, to support people experiencing homelessness as we continue striving toward our vision of Homes for All. Community for All. Hope for All.