Outreach and Support Groups

On Point Program

The On Point program facilitates the removal of used needles and drug paraphernalia from parks, trails and greenspaces. The program provides employment and support to individuals working under the program who have experienced mental health issues, addiction or living unsheltered.

We are measuring the success of the program. As of March 31, 2021:

• 4 individuals are currently employed as On Point Workers
• 50+ different areas across the city including 2 new routes
• 19,644 discarded used needles since beginning of program
• 81 pieces of hardware and 118 substances found
• 120 needle pick-up calls
• 49,242 discarded pieces of substance paraphernalia since beginning of program

On Point is being partially funded through the Community Homeless Prevention Initiative (C.H.P.I.). The initial funding amount for this project is $104,400:

• C.H.P.I. is contributing a baseline amount of approximately $63,000
• The City of Oshawa is contributing $36,400 for the wages of the individuals
• The Region of Durham is providing the safety/equipment kits for the program participants (approximately $5,000) as well as evaluating the program

Please do not pick up a used needle with your hands. For more information on how to protect yourself if you find a needle on City or your own property see information below on safe needle disposal units.

To report illegal activity (e.g. drug use, thefts, vandalism, aggressive behaviour), please contact Durham Region Police Services at 905-579-1520 or [email protected].

Welcoming Streets

Providing targeted street outreach services to vulnerable individuals, as well as education and training to businesses in our downtown.

Through this initiative, community-based outreach workers serve as a point of first contact and help connect those who are vulnerable to services that they need while providing support, education and training to downtown businesses.

Safe needle disposal units

The City in collaboration with John Howard Society of Durham Region, provides and installs safe needle disposal units in priority City parks and greenspaces. The John Howard Society of Durham Region monitors the units and takes care of the proper disposal of the sharps collected as part of their Project X-Change program. The units are located in:

• Brick Valley Park 
• Cordova Park
• John Street Bridge
• Kinsmen Valleyview Park
• North Oshawa Park
• Memorial Park
• Michael Starr Trail (south of Bruce Street)
• Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path (near City Hall)
• Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
• Rotary Park
• Rundle Park
• Storie Park
• Sunnyside Park
• behind The Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery

To report a discarded needle or sharp found in a City park, please contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311.

Be safe

Community members are reminded that if a needle or sharp is found on your property:

• Do not pick it up with your hands - use tongs, pliers or tweezers and pick it up with the needle tip down and away from you.
• Place a plastic container or glass jar on a stable surface, seal it with tape, and add a sharps label.
• Take the container to a participating pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Do not throw needles/containers in the garbage.
• If accidentally poked by a discarded syringe, let the wound bleed freely and proceed immediately to the hospital for assessment.