Working to Improve Neighbourhood Safety (WINS) launches expanded two-year pilot project

Waterloo Region – In partnership with area municipalities and Sanguen Health Centre, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services is launching a two-year pilot project to expand the Working to Improve Neighbourhood Safety (WINS) program. WINS is a peer-based needle recovery project that aims to reduce needle and harm reduction litter while providing education about safe disposal and making connections within the community.

An initial one-year pilot of the program took place in the City of Cambridge and was completed in 2019. The program reduced needle litter in the downtown core, collecting 3,400 needles over the course of the pilot. In addition to needle disposal, the peer workers engaged in meaningful work and connected with marginalized community members. WINS is expanding to include work in all three urban areas in Waterloo Region.

The project will be implemented by a staff coordinator and peer workers hired by Sanguen Health Centre. Peer workers are passionate members of Waterloo Region who have lived or living experience with substance use and are interested in creating a positive impact in the community.

"The overwhelming success of the pilot program in Cambridge has resulted in the expansion of this service to Kitchener and Waterloo,” said Simone Morrison, Sanguen’s Manager of Outreach, Education and Prevention. “This has allowed us to provide harm reduction and support to those in our community who use drugs while assisting in keeping our public spaces safe for all. We are so pleased to launch the new team, who will minimize risk and foster understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment within our community." 

The goals of the project are to:

• Proactively search for and dispose of harm reduction supplies
• Provide education about safe disposal
• Facilitate connections to create positive outcomes

“This is a new and effective way of supporting the more vulnerable members of our community, all while reducing sharps and drug debris on our streets” said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “It’s an excellent example of local partnership between our cities, Region of Waterloo Public Health, and Sanguen Health Centre. We are proud to support the expansion of this program as we look for new ways to better serve the evolving needs of our communities.”

“I’m happy that Waterloo is now part of this expanded pilot,” said Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “Everyone in the community benefits from the increased education, harm reduction, and support provided by the peer workers.”

“The success of the program speaks for itself,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I know the peer workers, with their lived experiences and passion for making a difference, will continue their good work in making a positive impact in all three cities within our region.”

“Public Health is pleased to support this work throughout the planning phase and to evaluate the program after one year and again at the conclusion of the two-year pilot,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health. “We wish to thank members of Regional Council for their support and for recognizing how the WINS program contributes to a safer and more caring community”.

For more information visit Sanguen's WINS project page. 

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For media information, please contact:

Kerri Hutchinson
Health Communications, Supervisor
kehutchinson@regionofwaterloo.ca