Prince Albert may join federal wastewater drug monitoring plan

Health Canada’s research looks at a more qualitative perspective, which focuses on the how and why. In this case, another 550 drugs and metabolites would be added to the monitoring.

According to city administration, taking part would help the city, police, health officials and social agencies track changing substance-use patterns, identify emerging risks and better target public health and safety responses.

Samples would be submitted every month and the city would receive customized reports and data files about six to eight weeks later.

Administration says the added workload for Public Works would be minimal because wastewater sampling is already part of regular operations. Council still has to approve the memorandum of understanding, and will discuss it during their Monday meeting of the Executive Committee.

When Prince Albert first received numbers in 2023 from Statistics Canada, data showed the city had the highest meth and cocaine use per capita in Canada of the participating municipalities.

City officials have said in the past that having the data helps them qualify for grant funding from other levels of government for help such as Mobile Complex Needs teams and a Complex Needs building that is currently underway.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Prince Albert may join federal wastewater drug monitoring plan

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