The Ottawa Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ottawa Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy initiative?

In 2005, former Mayor Bob Chiarelli engaged a comprehensive Community Network to develop a ‘made in Ottawa’ Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy based on four key areas: prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement.

Ottawa has programs and services that span these four areas, however there is not an overriding framework that ensures an integrated approach and a balanced ongoing strategy to respond to drug and addiction issues in Ottawa.

The goal of the Ottawa Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy is to ensure that Ottawa residents live in a community increasingly free of the harms associated with problematic substance use. The strategy will identify key recommendations that will build a new framework to coordinate and guide effective responses. It also is mandated to support an ongoing integrated approach and more comprehensive policies and programs that consider the needs of individuals across all age groups (prenatal to seniors), as well as families and the community at large.

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Who is involved in the initiative?

The City of Ottawa has partnered with a broad range of community agencies and service providers who have significant knowledge and experience in drugs and addictions issues.

Three committees have been set up to develop the strategy:

• A Community Network comprised of over 40 community leaders representing the areas of mental health, parent and youth groups, school boards, ethno-cultural groups, local hospitals, business community, homelessness and affordable housing sector, law enforcement, legal system, treatment centres, and community resource centres. The Community Network is co-chaired by community members Alana Kainz and George Langill.
• A Steering Committee comprised of a smaller group of the Community Network. Its members include, the Deputy City Manager of Community and Protective Services, Medical Officer of Health, Chief of Police, representatives from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Children’s Aid Society, Maison Fraternité, and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.
• A Work Group comprised of experts in the areas of treatment, prevention, harm reduction and enforcement. Its members include representatives from the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Public Health.

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How will the Ottawa Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy be developed?

The approach is to build on best practices and discuss openly the issues, gaps and integration points needed in Ottawa. The strategy will be developed and led by people in our community who see the direct impacts of drug use and addiction.

Priority areas will be set through consultation with those involved in the four areas and through consultation with the general public. A strategy detailing immediate, medium-term and long-term solutions will be brought forth to Ottawa City Council.

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What are the timelines for the Ottawa Integrated Drugs and Addictions Strategy?

Stakeholder consultations will be conducted in March 2006. Public consultations will be held in April and May. A report outlining the key recommendations and strategy will be presented to the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee and to Ottawa City Council in June 2006. The implementation plan and evaluation of the strategy will be far reaching and continue well beyond 2006.

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