Reducing harms from substance use
The new substance strategy builds on the 2019 Opioid Strategy, which focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement to reduce opioid-related harms.
About the strategy
The Peel Region Substance Strategy is our approach to reduce harms from all types of substance use.
It supports Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan and builds on years of local work in this area.
Led by Peel Public Health and Moyo Health & Community Services, the strategy brings together people with lived experience, community groups, service providers, and emergency services to create solutions together.
Once the strategy is ready in 2026, we’ll share it with both the community and Peel Region Council.
This will help:
- Ensure leadership support.
- Align efforts across departments and sectors.
- Turn recommendations into real action.
We’ll also report back to the community on what we heard, what we recommended, and how we’re moving forward together.
The strategy will be shaped by the people it’s meant to serve through a community co-design approach.
Together, we’ll define:
- What the strategy will cover.
- The guiding principles we’ll follow.
- How we’ll support health and reduce substance-related harms.
- Key recommendations for action.
This process will include shared decision-making, respect, accountability and a commitment to centering lived experience.
We’re working with the community in 2025 to develop the strategy and it will launch in 2026.
Working groups supporting the strategy
We’ve created 2 working groups to support the strategy’s development.
- Awareness and Engagement Working Group: builds awareness and involves your organization’s service users and interest holders through focus groups, conversations, and other activities.
- Implementation and Reference Working Group: helps with the development and implementation of the strategy.
Data, evidence and community insights
We’re using data, research, and lived experiences to shape the strategy.
Health status indicators for the Peel population, including current health status, health behaviours, preventive health practices, health care utilization relevant to public health and demographic information. Refer to health status data.
Opioid overdose indicators for the Peel population including, trends in emergency department visits, paramedic calls, hospitalizations and deaths related to opioid use. Refer to opioid toxicity.
Numbers only tell part of the story. Community input helps us understand the full picture.
Get your organization involved
Everyone in Peel has a role in shaping this strategy, whether you use substances, support someone who does, provide services, or live in the community.
Peel Region is offering microgrants of up to $1,000 to 10 community organizations to support engagement activities. Projects should focus on lived or living experience with drug use, equity-deserving groups, and inclusive, culturally safe approaches.
To apply, organizations must be part of the working group. Applications will be sent by email and are due by August 15.
When available, we’ll provide more information about upcoming events and activities.