Manitoba’s inaugural supervised consumption site is commencing operations in Winnipeg five days a week following extensive delays. The site, situated at 366 Henry Ave. in downtown Winnipeg, officially opened at 11 a.m. on Tuesday after encountering multiple obstacles that disrupted the province’s plans to establish a facility for supervised drug consumption by trained personnel last year.
The newly launched site, which does not dispense drugs, aims to mitigate the dangers of fatal overdoses and other related harms while providing individuals with essential resources. Bernadette Smith, the Minister of Addictions, expressed emotional sentiments about the community finally receiving the support and services they deserve through this initiative.
Originally targeted for a 2025 debut, the NDP had initially proposed to establish the site on the Disraeli Freeway. However, due to significant opposition from local residents, the location was abandoned in September. Neighbors and the Progressive Conservatives have also raised concerns about the new site located in an industrial building owned by the province west of Main Street, fearing it could compromise the area’s safety.
Despite the dissent, the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre, in collaboration with the province and other frontline organizations, will operate the facility. The site will be staffed with eight personnel, including nurses and a crisis counselor, under physician supervision and 24/7 security.
While some critics, like activist Joseph Fourre, question the effectiveness of the site, others, such as Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, highlight the need for a structured recovery pathway for individuals accessing the facility. Monica Cyr, the CEO of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre, urged critics to give the site a chance, emphasizing the importance of additional resources during times of crisis.
Furthermore, Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed hope that the supervised consumption site will redirect drug use away from public spaces, promoting downtown safety. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara emphasized that the site’s opening is a step towards caring for individuals and enhancing downtown safety measures.
The site’s operations will be closely monitored, with regular reports provided to both the provincial and federal governments. The Indigenous-led facility, incorporating cultural practices and ceremonies, aims to foster trust within the community, particularly among Indigenous individuals disproportionately impacted by substance use.
The opening of this site marks a significant milestone as the first Indigenous-led supervised consumption site in Canada, with plans for a more permanent setup to include additional health services in the future.