Former peer support worker Sydney Boa says clients lost a trusted space and now face a gap in addiction supports. She notes that many users were alienated from mainstream services and that the site had taken years to build that trust.

Since the closure, front‑line workers have observed more adverse overdose reactions. Boa points to the increasing presence of contaminants like the veterinary tranquilizer medetomidine in the drug supply.

The Calgary Fire Department reports that, as of July, overdose calls are 143 % higher this year than during the same period last year. The department adds that overdose calls were already rising in March, before the site shut, and it cannot speculate on how the closure has affected the trend. It also cites a more toxic drug supply, winter vulnerability and more public‑space emergencies as possible contributors.

Health‑care professionals warn that the loss of the SCS could strain emergency services, EMS, hospitals and other parts of the system. Dr. Kate Colizza says the “trickle‑down effects” of closing one site may reduce service availability for both people who used the site and the wider Calgary population.

The provincial government says the funding that supported the SCS has been redirected to expand addiction treatment, medical detox, recovery supports and 24‑hour outreach teams, as part of a broader shift toward recovery‑oriented care.