New, nationally developed standards are now available to help small and mid-sized communities tackle substance use challenges.
The guide was developed with input from mayors and community leaders across 30 regions in Canada, including North Battleford, Prince Albert, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.
The Small Cities Playbook for Action, created by the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, outlines more than 50 evidence-based strategies focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, policing, and community response.
Officials say while smaller centres face many of the same issues as larger cities, they often lack the same level of resources and specialized supports.
The playbook is designed to address those gaps, offering practical solutions that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of individual communities.
You can view the playbook here.
