Needle Disposal Pilot Project

The City, in collaboration with the Northwestern Health Unit, Kenora Makwa Patrol, All-Nations Health Partners-Ontario Health Team, Lake of the Woods District Hospital - Mental Health and Addictions Program, and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC), has launched a needle disposal pilot project for 2026.

Community members can now report discarded needles through ReportNeedles.ca.

This web-based app allows users to enter sightings of needles or related equipment and upload photos. It works on any internet browser, including smartphones.

This pilot program aligns with Kenora's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Action 3.6, to increase efforts to safely dispose of syringes that have been discarded in public spaces.

Once the report is made using ReportNeedles.ca, a coordinated effort by collaborating service agencies will work to remove the reported needles in one to two business days.

Alternatively, reports can be made by calling or texting 807-464-1966.

The goal of the project is to reduce the number of discarded needles in public spaces, expand harm-reduction supports, and create healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.

This pilot project will initially prioritize identification and collection in the downtown area of Kenora. While recognizing that there will always be some waste on the ground, the data collected by the tool will be used to inform future decisions and coordination among service providers, including determining the best locations to place disposal containers.

Project partners include: City of Kenora, Northwestern Health Unit, Kenora Makwa Patrol, Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Mental Health and Addictions Program, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC), and the All Nations Health Partners Ontario Health Team (ANHP OHT).

The web app was originally developed for AIDS Program South Saskatchewan and its use in Kenora is funded by the Northwestern Health Unit.

For more information, please reach out to Eric Shih, Community Safety and Well-Being Coordinator, City of Kenora at 807-467-2007.