Belleville remains under a state of emergency with little hope on the horizon
Belleville, Ontario, has been grappling with a worsening opioid crisis for over a year now. Last year, the city declared a state of emergency due to a surge in overdoses linked to the opioid epidemic. Brian Orford, a resident who lives on the streets, survived last year’s tainted drugs that were laced with fentanyl, benzodiazepines, or animal tranquilizers. He expressed his frustration at still being homeless while his pregnant girlfriend is staying in one of the few shelter beds in town.
The city took a step towards addressing the crisis by purchasing an abandoned banquet hall with plans to convert it into a shelter. Originally projected to open in late 2024 or early 2025, the project has faced delays and cost overruns, ballooning from $3 million to $8.5 million. Despite these setbacks, the goal is to open the shelter before the end of 2025, with the province providing $6.3 million per year for operational costs.
The lack of round-the-clock resources has led to a rise in the number of homeless individuals in Belleville, from under 200 last spring to around 300 this year. Mayor Neil Ellis acknowledged the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive solution. Residents, like Laura Corbay, expressed concerns about further delays in opening the permanent shelter and the worsening of the crisis.
Sara Lougheed, a homeless individual battling a fentanyl addiction, highlighted the challenges of transitioning from the streets to housing without adequate support. Constable Aaron Crawford echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for reform in the justice, bail, and healthcare systems to address the underlying issues contributing to homelessness and addiction.
As Belleville continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, stakeholders are calling for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and addiction. The city’s efforts to open a permanent shelter are a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive reforms are needed to effectively combat the crisis.
