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“I understand my direct neighbours are unhappy about it, but I don’t think they have very much to go on. Every other place where they’ve had a safe injection site, things have gotten under control a bit. It’s actually benefited the whole neighbourhood.”

Councillors Shawn Lewis and Steve Hillier were opposed to the rezoning, and Stephen Turner declared a conflict because of his job at the health unit. All other politicians were in favour.

It was a vote with little fanfare, virtually no discussion on the motion, and a nearly empty public gallery — quite a reversal from the months of debate and community angst that preceded the decision.

All that’s left is provincial funding needed to operate the site.

Theoretically, the vote gives the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, the organizations that would run the site, the green light to begin renovations to the music store.

Medical officer of health Chris Mackie said in an email it is “exciting to be at this stage. Council sent a resounding message that our community cares about the people who are struggling with addiction.”

But he added he is “very concerned” neighbours might file an appeal to challenge the rezoning. That could tie up the site well into the future.

“We are not planning to proceed with renos until the rezoning is finalized, which would be held up in case of an appeal,” he said.

The Krogman family, which owns Dennis Krogman Auto Sales next door to the music store, is opposed to the site, as are several nearby businesses.