Since July 31, more than 4,300 used needles and 15,147 pieces of substance paraphernalia, have been collected from Oshawa parks under the needle clean-up pilot project, On Point.
The project was launched to address the health and safety issue of used needles and drug paraphernalia being discarded in Oshawa’s parks, greenspaces and other public spaces.
The City of Oshawa, The Regional Municipality of Durham and John Howard Society launched the needle clean-up pilot project in July 2019.
On Point workers receive supervision, safety kits and training to assist with the cleanup of needles and other drug paraphernalia left behind in identified priority parks, green spaces and other public spaces in Oshawa. On Point workers are individuals with lived experience of homelessness or substance use who have shared that they appreciate this opportunity to give back to their community, said an Oshawa city media release.
In addition to training and employment, On Point workers are provided with housing outreach services and other community resources to help gain the experience to transition to long-term employment.
The pilot project will continue until March 31. Seven individuals are currently employed, trained and actively working in more than 50 different areas across the city.
The Region of Durham, as Service Manager, is using contributions from the Community Homeless Prevention Initiative (CHPI) to partially fund On Point. The initial funding amount for this project is $104,400:
- CHPI is contributing a baseline amount of about $63,000. The CHPI has received funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
- The City of Oshawa is contributing $36,400 for the wages of the program workers.
- The Region of Durham is providing the safety/equipment kits for the program workers (approximately $5,000), as well as evaluating the program.
Community members are reminded to contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 to report unlawful behaviour, such as littering, individuals living in city parks, or if a discarded needle is found in a city park, trail, greenspace or facility.
The city has reminded residents not to pick up a used needle with your hands.
“I want to commend John Howard Society and the On Point workers on a job well done,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Through your dedication and commitment to the On Point project, you are making a significant contribution to the overall health and safety of our communities.
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