Business owners concerned over new downtown Moncton pharmacy

A clinic that offers treatment for substance use disorders could open in downtown Moncton.

It’s been vacant for more than a year, but a former optical centre at the corner of St. George and Weldon streets in Moncton will soon have a new tenant.

A spokesperson for the City of Moncton said a private pharmacy is slated to move into the building, but there’s been some confusion on social media about just what services may be provided.

David Kelly, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, said the province recently met with the service providers who plan to open a clinic.

Addictions and Mental Health Services Minister Rob McKee and staff from the Department of Health met with the owners to hear about their plans and to discuss a request for funding which has been submitted and is under review.

“Some people have mistakenly described this proposed clinic as a safe injection site,” said Kelly in an email to CTV News. “Actually, the clinic is expected to offer a full spectrum of treatment for substance use disorders such as opioid and stimulant replacement therapy for people who want to quit using drugs.”

The clinic will also offer screening for Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

Having the clinic right next door worries Robin Streb, the co-owner of LaRouère Chocolat.

“Oh, definitely I have concerns, yes,” said Streb. “Just what does it mean for our business? Not saying that programs like this are not valid and useful. It’s just a matter of knowing if our business can still operate in the same way, bring in the same clientele, being in this location.”

On Wednesday, business owners in the area were invited to a meet with the pharmacy’s owners, which was facilitated by Downtown Moncton Inc.

The information session gave an overview of the project and outlined the services that would be provided at the clinic.

Laundromat Expresso Bar owner Marc Leger is also concerned about the facility being located in the heart of St. George Street and just steps away from his business.

He said business owners like himself have been navigating the homelessness issue and drug crisis in the area for years.

“It’s OK, it can be in the neighbourhood here, but where it is located here is not going to help any economic growth that we’re trying to rebuild here on St. George Street,” said Leger.

Also on his mind, the fact that the clinic is roughly a block away from a K-8 school.

“I’m worried that at eight o’clock when the shelters are opening up that there’s going to be a lineup of people looking for their dose,” said Leger.

CTV News reached the owners of the pharmacy for comment on Thursday, but did not hear back by deadline.

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