Chamber Outlines Concerns About OD Prevention Site

One of Vernon’s largest business groups is questioning Interior Health’s plan for an overdose prevention site in Vernon.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce says it shares city council’s concerns that there isn’t sufficient community involvement in identifying a suitable location for a prevention site, or if such a facility is even needed in the community.

The Chamber is calling on I-H to ensure the City, and other stakeholders, are part of the process evaluating contractor bids to operate the site, and for the city to have veto power over locations they don’t support.

“Those contractors submitting bids to operate the overdose prevention site must identify the steps they will take to consult with local government and businesses and residents near the proposed site, but that engagement may be too late in the process, particularly in determining if a location for the facility meets the community’s needs,” says Chamber President Diana Wilson. “We would call on Interior Health to ensure the City of Vernon is part of the process evaluating bids to operate the overdose prevention site and that city council be asked to sanction the location of the facility prior to IH agreeing to the contractor’s proposal. If the city doesn’t support a specific location, then that site should be abandoned.”