Harm Reduction Victoria is committed to continuing its needle exchange in what it calls the "no-go zone," despite a commitment by other stakeholders to avoid the location.
On May 31, HRV set up the mobile service on the corner of Vancouver Street and Pandora Avenue.
"It's where people are sleeping at night and eating during the day," said Kim Toombs, spokesperson for HRV. "It's the most accessible (location)."
HRV's mobile service runs contrary to a code of conduct created by AIDS Vancouver Island and the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
In the code, AVI agreed not to operate any needle exchange in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue due to its proximity to a school and music conservatory, said Suzanne Germain, spokesperson for the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Harm Reduction Victoria did not sign the code of conduct.
Germain said that police are keeping a close eye on HRV's service.
"So far it's fairly orderly ... We're not going to become involved."
Since June 5, HRV's mobile exchange has distributed more than 2,000 needles but plans to scale-back operations. Instead of opening every evening, it is scheduled to run Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 7 to 11 p.m.
One year ago, Victoria's needle exchange on Cormorant Street closed but so far no new permanent site has been selected.
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Correction: Please note, an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Harm Reduction Victoria had signed a code of conduct indicating a commitment to avoid distributing needles in the 900 block of Pandora.
