Niagara Region develops new Community Substance Use Strategy

October 28, 2025

Niagara has developed a new Community Substance Use Strategy designed to prevent and reduce the harms caused by substance use across the region.

Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy, shared with Regional Council at its Oct. 23 meeting, is based on provincial and national best practices and focuses on Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment, and Community Safety. The Strategy provides a framework for collaboration among service providers and community partners to support the health and well-being of all Niagara residents.

The Strategy identifies five recommendations:

Build Resilience in Children, Youth and Families
Promote Harm Reduction Principles Broadly and Reduce Stigma
Strengthen Partnerships Across Sectors
Improve Access to Treatment and Services
Support Safer Communities for Everyone

The Strategy also identifies a series of actions for each recommendation that, working with the community, will be implemented over the next four years.

Development of the Strategy was informed by community engagement, through surveys and focus groups, with health and social service providers, Public Health, lived and living experts and the wider community.

The creation of the Niagara Community Substance Use Strategy was identified as an action in the Region’s Community Safety and Well-being plan as well as a priority for Niagara Region’s Public Health department, both of which recognized that substance use continues to pose community safety and health challenges in Niagara, with significant impacts on individuals, families and neighbourhoods.

Learn more about Niagara’s Substance Use Strategy.

Quotes

“Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy reflects Regional Council’s commitment to building a safe, equitable and healthy region for all. This Strategy was developed in partnership with the community to ensure that our collective response to substance use is compassionate, evidence-based and effective. By working together, we are strengthening prevention, improving access to care and building a more supportive Niagara where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” – Pat Chiocchio Acting Niagara Regional Chair

“Substance use affects communities in many ways, and addressing it requires a collaborative, compassionate and proactive approach. Through Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy, community partners across the region are coming together to turn evidence-informed guidance into meaningful action. Through shared commitment and coordinated action, we can strengthen prevention efforts, improve community health, and support the well-being of residents across Niagara.” – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health

“The development of Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy is another important step to achieving outcomes of our Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, recognizing that substance use is a key priority of the Plan. The Strategy provides a framework to help community partners align efforts, share resources and coordinate services to reduce the harms associated with substance use. By working together through this strategy, we are strengthening collaboration across sectors and creating a more connected, responsive system of support for residents across Niagara.” – Henri Koning, Commissioner Community Service

Media contact

Janet Rose
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
289-668-3629
janet.rose@niagararegion.ca