It has been exactly one year since the New Dawn Medical clinic opened its doors in Chinatown, and Somerset ward Coun. Ariel Troster says residents and politicians are finally seeing “concrete action” regarding the controversial safe-supply clinic.
Background and Community Concerns
For months, local politicians, residents, and business advocates have raised social and ethical concerns about the clinic’s operations and its impact on the neighbourhood. Before New Dawn, Northwood Recovery, a similar private safe-supply clinic, operated in the same location for a few months starting in March 2025.
Last year, Troster and Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney wrote a joint letter to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, calling on the provincial government to investigate the clinic.
Regulatory Changes
The college, responsible for licensing and regulating physicians, has become the first to take action. On June 1, it announced “targeted” changes to its “prescribing drugs” policy. The updated policy mandates that physicians who prescribe safe-supply drugs must conduct in-person comprehensive patient assessments before initiating or continuing safer supply prescriptions, and offer alternative “agonist” therapy before prescribing safer supply. In-person assessments must be completed at least once every three months if safer supply is prescribed on an ongoing basis.
“I think it’s a sign that the provincial regulating body is finally listening to the community,” Troster said in an interview.
College spokesperson Laura Zilke said the amendments were approved by the board on May 28 and came “following feedback from physicians and system partners, and in response to the evolving landscape in this complex area of practice.” The policy does not prohibit safer supply prescribing and continues to recognize the importance of physician clinical judgement.
Troster’s Concerns About the Clinic
One of Troster’s biggest concerns is that the clinic’s main doctor is based in Toronto and is “rarely” on site. She noted that people can be seen leaving the clinic and immediately selling their safe supply, a practice known as drug diversion. This makes it difficult to ensure patients are adhering to prescribed therapy meant to help overcome addictions. “People with addiction deserve that level of care and concern, and they’re not receiving it,” Troster said.
Residents’ Safety Concerns
The clinic has been a point of contention for months, with residents in and around the New Dawn Medical building continuing to express safety concerns about living in the neighbourhood and sharing a building with the dispensary clinic.
