9 overdoses reported at Regina city hall tent encampment

Nine overdoses have been recorded at Regina’s city hall tent encampment, the City of Regina said.

The camp – established nearly a month ago – has grown to include 72 tents, according to a recent count by the city.

On July 10, around 47 people appeared to be living at the site on the west lawn of city hall.

Both Regina police and Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) have been providing wellness checks at the encampment since its formation.

Of the nine overdoses, either RFPS, volunteers at the site or EMS provided treatment.

For two of the overdoses, treatment was refused, according to the city.

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In an effort to keep the camp safe, the fire inspection team has removed “high hazard” items such as propane and other compressed gas cylinders.

Public washrooms are available at city hall during business hours, the city noted. A 24-hour temporary washroom is also available on the corner of Lorne Street and 12th Avenue in Victoria Park.

“City staff are in direct contact with camp organizers on the Courtyard several times per week,” the city said in its release on Tuesday.

“The City of Regina continues to collaborate with provincial government agencies and community-based organizations to connect residents experiencing houselessness in our community with services and supports they need.”

Aside from the city’s outreach, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Regina Downtown Community Support Program and the Ministry of Social Services regularly attend the site.

It’s not currently known how many of the camp residents have been provided housing.