Local non-profit granted exemption to operate supervised consumption site in Regina
The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre says they have been granted an exemption to operate Regina’s only supervised consumption site.
The non-profit made the announcement on social media Monday afternoon.
“Supervised consumption sites have been proven to save lives and benefit communities,” the post reads. “Our supervised consumption site offers a range of evidence-based harm reduction services, such as drug checking.”
Wâhkôhtowin Harm Reduction first opened in 2021 at the centre. The safe drug injection site also offers individuals connectivity to wrap around health, social services and addictions services, including referrals to substance use treatment and detox.
“Thank you to all our community members that have supported, advocated and fundraised alongside us as we worked towards achieving our goal of become supervised consumption site,” the centre added.
- Get the CTV News app for Saskatchewan breaking news alerts and top stories
With the announcement, Wâhkôhtowin remains the only supervised consumption site in Reigna.
There are just two safe consumption sites in Saskatchewan. The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre and Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan government does provide funding to Newo-Yotina and PHR for drug testing. However, neither organization receives operational funding from the provincial government for drug consumption sites.
In an emailed statement to CTV News on Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health said their focus is getting people the treatment and rehabilitation they need to overcome addictions and live safe lives in recovery.
"No illicit drugs are safe, and there is no safe use of illicit drugs," the statement read.
"By helping people overcome addictions and by supporting recovery, we can save lives, heal families, and strengthen our communities."
The statement said that independent parties wanting to operate supervised consumption sites must apply to Health Canada for an exemption, noting that provincial government approval is not a requirement.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police.
From Celine Dion to Pope Francis, here are some new year's wishes to take into 2025
The start of a new year has inspired some of the world's high-profile figures and organizations to share messages about hope, gratitude and goodwill.
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
'Cash poor' businesswoman is worth at least $20M, can pay off mortgage debt, B.C. court rules
A Vancouver businesswoman who claimed to be too "cash poor" to pay off a roughly $3 million mortgage debt – despite having claimed a net worth in excess of $94 million as recently as 2018 – has been ordered to pay up.
Watch
Watch The next big thing in AI in 2025, according to one tech analyst
Artificial intelligence isn't done disrupting our lives and compromising online safety, tech analyst Carmi Levy says.
Canadian man, 38, dies in avalanche in Utah mountains
Authorities in Utah say a Canadian man has died in an avalanche while snowboarding in the mountains near Salt Lake City.
An aspiring nurse, football star, single mother and father of 2 killed in New Orleans attack
Officials have not yet released the names of the 15 people killed in the New Orleans New Year's Day truck attack, but their families and friends have started sharing their stories.
Firework mortars, gas cannisters stuffed inside Tesla that exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel
Firework mortars and camp fuel canisters were found stuffed into the back of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday, killing a suspect inside the vehicle and sparking an intense investigation into possible terrorism.
Financial changes in Canada you should know about this year
There are a few changes in federal policies that could affect Canadians' finances in the new year.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon mayor optimistic about what's to come, despite challenges
As Saskatoon welcomes 2025, Mayor Cynthia Block begins the year with optimism, reflecting on 2024's accomplishments.
-
Sask. women between 47 and 49 now eligible for breast cancer screening
More Saskatchewan women are now able to access breast cancer screening as the province takes a phased approach to lower age eligibility.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
Winnipeg
-
Maternity unit closure averted at Brandon hospital
A 24-hour disruption in maternity services at Brandon Regional Health Centre has been averted after the hospital managed to secure medical provider coverage.
-
Winnipeg, Brandon welcome first babies of 2025
On Wednesday, just two minutes after the clock struck midnight, Winnipeg welcomed its first bundle of joy of the new year.
-
Winnipeg crews fight flames in two structure fires
As Winnipeg entered a new year, emergency crews were called to the scene of two fires late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning.
Edmonton
-
'Noon Year' mocktail party serves as non-alcoholic way to ring in 2025
Sober Edmontonians rung in the new year Wednesday with a "Noon Year" celebration at a mocktail bar.
-
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
-
'You feel pretty badass': 3 fitness trends to make good on your 2025 fitness goals
If you're looking to bring the spark back into your active life, here are some of last year's popular workouts and why you may want to add them to this year's routine.
Calgary
-
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
-
2 charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first-degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
-
First Alberta baby of 2025 born 2 minutes into new year
Alberta's first baby of 2025 was born in Calgary two minutes into the new year, according to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.
Lethbridge
-
2 charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first-degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
-
University of Calgary Dinos win University Challenge Cup ringette championship in Lethbridge
Eleven ringette teams from across Canada were battling it out all week in Lethbridge for the University Challenge Cup, leading to Tuesday’s final between the University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Ottaawa Gee-Gees.
-
Lethbridge police warn about increase of online scammers
The Lethbridge police is asking residents to safeguard their bank accounts following an increase in reports of suspicious transactions involving compromised accounts.
Toronto
-
Toronto-area hospitals welcome first babies of 2025
One of the first babies born in 2025 was delivered just four seconds after midnight at Mississauga Hospital.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police.
-
Hardy Canadians take the plunge in icy New Year's Day tradition
Strong winds and almost freezing temperatures didn't deter hundreds of brave souls from jumping into Lake Ontario in a New Year's Day tradition.
Ottawa
-
11 things that will cost you more in Ottawa in 2025
Ottawa residents will be paying more to board the bus and the O-Train, park on city streets, use City of Ottawa service and turn on the lights in 2025. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at 11 things that will cost you more in 2025.
-
Meet Ottawa's first baby of 2025
The Ottawa Hospital says a baby boy named Oliver was born at the Civic Campus at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces.
-
OPP investigating fatal crash on New Year's Day near Smiths Falls, Ont.
A 31-year-old man from Jasper, Ont. is dead following a single-vehicle crash south of Smiths Falls on New Year's Day.
Montreal
-
Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025
With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025.
-
Quebec City boy born exactly at midnight Jan. 1
Quebec City's first baby of the year 2025 was born at exactly midnight on Wednesday, announced the CHU de Québec-Université Laval.
-
Police investigate suspicious death after body found in Chicoutimi
Saguenay police have launched an investigation into a suspicious death after the body of a man in his thirties was discovered on Wednesday morning in Chicoutimi.
Vancouver
-
'Cash poor' businesswoman is worth at least $20M, can pay off mortgage debt, B.C. court rules
A Vancouver businesswoman who claimed to be too "cash poor" to pay off a roughly $3 million mortgage debt – despite having claimed a net worth in excess of $94 million as recently as 2018 – has been ordered to pay up.
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
-
Suspicious fire under investigation at Vancouver Island school
Emergency crews were called to douse a suspicious fire that broke out at a school in the Vancouver Island community of Duncan on New Year's Eve.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
-
Suspicious fire under investigation at Vancouver Island school
Emergency crews were called to douse a suspicious fire that broke out at a school in the Vancouver Island community of Duncan on New Year's Eve.
-
BC Ferries cancels 6 New Year's Day sailings due to 'mechanical difficulty'
For the second day in a row, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings to and from Horseshoe Bay due to a "mechanical difficulty."
Kelowna
-
Kamloops couple delivers B.C.'s first baby of 2025
B.C.'s first baby of 2025 was born just after midnight at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
-
B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
-
B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
London
-
32-year-old Central Huron resident dies in crash
OPP say a 32-year-old Central Huron resident has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Huron East.
-
'Lock windows and doors': overnight shelter in place warning lifted by OPP in West Lorne
A man is in custody, and there is a no longer a “threat to public safety” for residents in West Lorne, Ont. according to provincial police.
-
First baby of 2025 revealed by London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) announced the first baby of the New Year was born at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday.
Kitchener
-
Heavy snow and snow squall warnings for parts of southwestern Ontario
After a weekend of mild and wet weather, winter is making its return to southwestern Ontario, with Environment Canada issuing heavy snow and snow squall warnings for Waterloo Region, Stratford, Wellington County and Brant County.
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day.
-
Two suffering serious injuries following assault in Cambridge
Officers responded to the area of Water Street North and Dickson Street around 2 a.m. Sunday after a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were assaulted.
Northern Ontario
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Islamic State-inspired driver expressed desire to kill before deadly New Orleans rampage, Biden says
A U.S. Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police.
-
Charges after transport driver in northern Ont. fixed window with duct tape
A transport truck driver has been charged after a motorist alerted police about a commercial motor vehicle that had duct tape covering the driver's side window.
-
One arrested following terrifying road rage incident on Hwy. 11 in northern Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help in investigating a road rage incident Monday on Highway 11 near Temiskaming Shores.
Atlantic
-
Police investigate suspicious deaths in Halifax
Police are investigating a pair of suspicious deaths that took place on New Year’s Eve in Halifax.
-
Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., offers a unique home for pets and a unique experience for visitors
Rick & Joy’s Funny Farm in Amherst, N.S., shares the joy of animals with the community around them.
-
Here's your 2025 guide to the night sky and other celestial wow moments
The new year will bring a pair of lunar eclipses, but don't expect any sun-disappearing acts like the one that mesmerized North America last spring.
N.L.
-
Labradorians pay thousands to fly to Newfoundland. Could a Quebec energy deal help?
An airport executive in Labrador hopes a new energy deal with Quebec could help attract a competing airline company to the northern region, where flights costs have climbed at more than three times the national rate.
-
Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
-
Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
