A used naloxone kit is seen on the sidewalk as paramedics respond to a drug overdose in downtown Vancouver on June 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
By The Canadian Press
Aug 24, 2026 | 5:52 PM
VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s newly appointed health minister says he has directed Vancouver Coastal Health to stand down on a plan to establish a new overdose prevention site in downtown Vancouver, a move applauded by the mayor.
A statement from Ravi Kahlon says the decision was made in agreement with the health authority, which would propose alternative programming to meet community needs at the site at 900 Helmcken St., near St. Paul’s Hospital.
The confirmation on Monday comes as Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who had fought against the plan, says Kahlon had called to inform him of its cancellation.
Sim says in a statement that he was “incredibly grateful,” while thanking Kahlon’s predecessor, Josie Osborne, for pausing the project last spring.