Manitoba’s inaugural supervised consumption facility is commencing operations in Winnipeg five days a week following extended delays. Situated at 366 Henry Ave. in downtown Winnipeg, the site opened on Tuesday at 11 a.m. after facing various obstacles that hindered the province’s plan to establish a venue where drug users could consume substances under staff supervision last year.
The province emphasizes that the new site, which does not provide drugs, aims to mitigate the risk of fatal overdoses and other associated harms while facilitating access to necessary resources for individuals. Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith expressed emotional sentiments about the community finally receiving the support and services they deserve, highlighting the site as an additional avenue for individuals to access assistance, services, and embark on a journey towards recovery.
Originally slated for a 2025 launch, the NDP’s initial proposal to establish the site on the Disraeli Freeway was abandoned in September amid strong opposition from local residents. Neighbors and the Progressive Conservatives have also voiced objections to the new site located in a provincially owned industrial building west of Main Street, citing concerns about safety in the area.
Joseph Fourre, an activist and former addict, criticized the site, arguing that it merely prolongs addiction struggles, suggesting that resources could have been allocated more effectively elsewhere. Similarly, Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, the PC critic for addictions and homelessness, echoed concerns about the lack of structured recovery pathways and timely access to necessary support services for individuals utilizing the site.
Monica Cyr, CEO of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre, operating the site in collaboration with the province and other frontline organizations, urged critics to give the facility a chance, emphasizing the importance of augmenting resources during times of crisis and highlighting the commitment to harm reduction initiatives.
The supervised consumption site is staffed with eight personnel, including nurses and a crisis counselor, providing physician oversight and 24/7 security services. With a capacity for up to 12 clients at a time, individuals will undergo an initial assessment to determine their substance use habits. The facility includes an RV for injections, previously used for COVID-19 vaccinations, and a separate inhalation area.
Continuous monitoring and support will be provided to clients throughout their stay at the site, with Downtown Community Safety Partnership foot patrols available to accompany individuals as needed. The temporary setup will eventually transition into a more permanent facility, incorporating a rapid access addiction medicine clinic and primary healthcare services.
The site’s Indigenous-led approach is pivotal in fostering trust within the community, particularly among Indigenous individuals disproportionately affected by substance use. Indigenous ceremonies and cultural practices will be integrated into the facility’s operations to provide a safe and inclusive space for all visitors.
As the first Indigenous-led supervised consumption site in Canada, regular reports on the site’s activities and support services provided will be shared with provincial and federal authorities. Mayor Scott Gillingham and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara echoed the importance of the facility in addressing public health concerns, supporting individuals in need, and enhancing safety in downtown Winnipeg.
Despite concerns raised by some residents and business owners, the site’s operators remain optimistic about its potential to reduce open drug use in the area and foster a supportive environment for those seeking help and healing.